If texting while driving were a crime (and to some extent, it is), then many folks would now be in jail. Our fast-paced mobile lifestyles have dictated the “dire need” to stay connected no matter where we are. And this includes time spent behind the wheel.
The sad and bitter truth, however, is that texting or talking on the phone while driving can be dangerous. It’s not the first time you’ve heard this, we’re quite certain. Yet many still refuse to listen. Research shows that around half the number of drivers in the Asia Pacific region admit to using a phone while driving—despite knowing that they should not do so. And around 43% say that they got into an accident because of this.
Experts say that there are four types of distractions while driving: Visual, Auditory, Manual, and Cognitive. Each one tends to take away our senses from the task at hand. While the brain can actually switch between tasks quite easily, it can never perform two tasks at any given time. One willl definitely suffer.
And in the case of texting or talking on the phone, the experts believe that it comprises all four types of distractions—all at once. It’s like driving with your eyes closed, they say. And to a certain extent, it probably is. You see, texting while driving, for instance, forces you to take your eyes off the road. This lessens one’s chances of seeing the little details such as a traffic light that suddenly turns red, an oncoming vehicle, or worse, a pedestrian. In short, texting puts you and everyone around you at risk.
Fortunately, all is not lost. Carmakers like Ford Motor Company have put in place tech goodies like the Ford Co-Pilot 360, a suite of driver assist systems that aid one while behind the tiller. Stuff like pre-collision warning, emergency brake assist, Pedestrian Detection, and the like are all designed to help one avoid an accident. This, together with Ford’s Sync infotainment system keeps one connected safely while on the move.
Of course, these systems are merely designed to help one stay out of trouble. In the end, however, t is still ones responsibility to keep one’s eyes on the road, hands on the wheel, and full attention on the road. Drive safely, everyone.
