Not unlike death and taxes, Monday morning will come once again.
When you get in your car for your morning commute, what do you do? Key in the ignition? Check. Seatbelt? Check. Playlist? Check. Drop phone in center console? Check. And you’re off.
You know your route, the same one you’ve taken for a gazillion years. So the driving is natural, easy, automated. Your mind starts to wander and you begin to think about the day ahead. What tasks are left over from Friday? Did you call that contact back last week? Did you respond to the e-mail from your boss?
Uggg. You can’t remember and your phone is right there. It would be so easy to check…..
AND BAM! There it is …. you’re already distracted by your phone and you haven’t even touched it.
You see, driving involves not only having hands on the wheels, foot on the pedals and eyes forward. It also involves focus and concentration on the task at hand. And if you’re planning how to check your email at the next light, you’re not focused on driving.
Most laws created to curb distracted driving have focused on restricting the use of the phone with your hands. Texting, for example, requires that someone hold the phone, punch the keys and take their eyes off of the road. I have personally witnessed someone driving with their knees while holding their phone and texting!
Even using bluetooth and hands free technology can be treacherous. Studies have found that drivers tend to think about the phone conversation while going into a “tunnel vision” state. This loss of cognition can delay reaction time.
So, is it reasonable to suggest that drivers eliminate the use of technology? Of course not, it is an unattainable and unenforceable goal. Rather, drivers should manage the technology while driving to minimize the amount of distractions.
When you get in your car make it part of your routine to turn off your phone or put it in “do not disturb” mode so that you will not hear those incessant “pings” as you drive. You should also place the phone in an inaccesible location such as the trunk, the glove compartment, or in the back seat. Keep your phone out of sight and hopefully out of mind.
May we all make it to our destinations safely!
If you or someone you love has been injured or killed by the negligence of another call The Thomson Law Firm today for a FREE consultation. (540) 777-4900.
