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Using a Mobile Phone While Driving Increases the Risk of Accidents by 240%

By: MerxWire

Using a mobile phone while driving significantly increases the risk of traffic accidents. Studies show that using a handheld or hands-free device or talking on the phone while driving can lead to distraction, slower reaction times, and a higher likelihood of accidents.

Talking on the phone while driving can lead to distraction and dangerous situations. (Photo via unsplash.com)

MIAMI, FL (MERXWIRE) – With the advancement of technology, using mobile phones while driving has become increasingly common, a trend that is posing severe safety risks. Surveys reveal that many drivers admit to being unable to resist checking or using their phones while driving, making distracted driving a growing problem.

Drivers who use phones while driving experience’ attention blindness,’ a condition that slashes their ability to perceive environmental information by a staggering 50%. This holds regardless of whether they use a handheld or hands-free device. A study published in The New England Journal of Medicine delivers a chilling revelation: using a phone while driving catapults the risk of a collision by four times, placing it on par with the peril of drunk driving. What’s more, using hands-free features offers no sanctuary from this danger.

Experts emphasize that the risks of using a phone while driving are comparable to drunk driving. Whether making calls, sending messages, or browsing social media, these behaviours significantly impair driver focus and increase the risk of accidents. A Cambridge Mobile Telematics (CMT) report highlights that distracted drivers are 240% more likely to be involved in accidents than attentive drivers.

When drivers use mobile phones while driving, their attention is diverted, leading to delayed reaction times. CMT data shows that U.S. drivers spend an average of 2 minutes and 11 seconds per hour on their phones, during which the likelihood of an accident increases significantly. Even more concerning is that many drivers used their phones the minute before a crash occurred.

Cognitive psychologists explain that the human brain, unlike computers, cannot maintain two parallel attention streams. Instead, it switches between tasks, causing delays in awareness. Most people are unaware of this switching process and fail to recognize the associated risks.

Scientists conducted an experiment that showed the danger of participants talking on the phone while driving. Researchers found that while participants consciously saw the danger ahead, they failed to recognize it as a threat. As a result, drivers may see an object ahead but fail to register its presence mentally.

If you need to take a call while driving, stop at a safe location before engaging in the conversation. (Photo via unsplash.com)

Many countries have implemented strict measures to address the dangers of using phones while driving. For example, the UK, Japan, and Singapore impose hefty fines and even revoke driving licenses to reduce related accidents. Some states have passed laws banning mobile phone use while driving, with violators facing severe penalties.

For the safety of themselves and others, drivers hold the key to cultivating good driving habits and steering clear of using mobile phones while on the road. Simple actions like placing the phone out of sight or enabling driving mode can be powerful in reducing the likelihood of distracted driving. Remember, no message is worth risking your life—safety is the only way home.

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