On my way home from work today, I opted to switch from music to NPR (National Public Radio). I do this from time to time to check up on news, and to see if there is an interesting topic being discussed. Today’s topic was about traffic. I paid particular attention to the portion about talking on a cell phone while driving.
According to the presenter, using a hands-free device (which is now the only legal way to drive and talk on a cell phone in California), does not limit the driver’s ability to see (obviously). It does, however, limit their ability to think about what they’re seeing. For example, studies have been conducted which track the eye movement of drivers in various situations. Drivers not talking on the phone typically look all around them, from the road itself to other cars, to signs, and so forth. Drivers talking on a hands-free device tend to just look straight ahead, and do not pay attention to the various other stimuli.
This can be quite dangerous because there are so many potential threats on the road. Drivers must be alert and aware in order to drive safely. It has also been found that drivers talking with a headset have slower reaction times than drivers not engaged in a phone call. The largest concern is that drivers do not realize how impaired their driving can be while talking on a cell phone.
I wonder… if talking on the phone using a hands-free device is so dangerous, is it just as dangerous to talk with other passengers in the car??
Some passengers have endangered my life while driving much more than people on the phone. After all with a phone, you can simply hang up. A friend of mine was recently put in the unfortunate position of designated driver for his VERY drunk friend. On the way home the drunk friend thought it would be “fun” to cover the drivers eyes from time to time and say “peek a boo,” while on the freeway (keep in mind this is a 28-year old Navy diver, picture that)!!! This would be MUCH worse than talking on a cell phone!
I can’t imagine California (or any other state) could ban passengers while driving, but perhaps the ban of all phone calls (even w/ hands-free devices) will be banned in the future? Only time will tell…
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