Quote:
Originally Posted by oldE
Trying to get people to acknowledge their actions may have consequences for others is indeed an uphill struggle.
I have mentioned it on other threads, but there is a reason why cellular telephone usage is dangerous when combined with operating a motor vehicle. The two activities seem to utilize the same part of the brain.
About twenty years ago, researchers at the University of Toronto, did some brain scan studies in which subjects were tasked with carrying on a conversation with someone who was not present and other scans in which subjects were engaged in a 'driving activity'. The scans showed the part of the brain which looks for non-verbal clues to back up the spoken message is the same part of the brain which is engaged in "defensive driving". Speaking to a person not present engages that part of the brain, so if something happens which requires a decision, the brain must dis-engage from one task before addressing the other. That is what causes the response time equivalent to an impared driver.
This engagement is not as bad when the person with whom you are having the conversation is physically present, as the non-verbal clues are present and registered to some degree.
I suspect texting is even more dangerous, as there is the added complexity of converting thought to written word (and vice-versa) as well as the motor skills required to manipulate the keys.
People have mentioned having cel phones rendered inoperable when moving at more than 5mph. Not so useful if a passenger wants to use the phone.
I think it is going to have to come down to a change in social norms. In the same way smoking in public places is now frowned upon and drinking while operating motor vehicles is not accepted as it used to be, so must we as a society frown upon the self imparement which occurs when the driver takes or makes the call.
Will we see MADD2 (Mothers Against Distracted Drivers)?
Best
Les
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I hope we can change the cell phone use for drivers. The other day I pulled up to a 4 way stop. I was the last one of 4 cars to stop and watched as the other drivers moved on. Every single one of them had a phone to their head. Since all three left before me I watched as the cars behind them pulled up and all of them were yaking on the phone.
I really think is it much like a smoker. I know one former smoker that said he was pretty sure his car would not run if he did not light up. He admitted it was 100% routine to start the car, light up and drive off. Cell phone addicts must be the same way.