Think you’re pretty good at multitasking? Your skills may not be what you think, especially behind the wheel.
A new study involving college students finds that 70 percent of them believe they are above average when it comes to multitasking, such as driving and talking on a cell phone. Yet research shows that it’s these very same confident people who are actually the worst.
What Happens When Someone Is Driving and Using a Phone
Previous studies have found that the demands placed on the brain when attempting to pay attention to the road and talk on the phone are much heavier than many think. When engaged in a conversation, it becomes more difficult to pay attention to visual tasks, such as maneuvering a vehicle.
According to the official U.S. government website for distracted driving, Distraction.gov, brain activity is reduced by as much as 37 percent when using a cell phone while driving. Imagine the impact this could have in a situation where a split-second decision needs to be made in order to avoid a potential crash.
It’s also found that the average amount of time a driver’s eyes are not on the road when texting is 4.6 seconds. That might not sound like much, but it’s the same as driving blindfolded at 55 mph down the entire length of a football field. Another interesting fact is that drivers using handheld devices are four times more likely to be injured in a crash.
Numerous states have enacted bans on the use of cell phones while driving. In New York, it is against the law to talk or to text while driving.
You might be wondering if distracted driving was a factor in your accident. Here at Gacovino Lake & Associates, we know the devastation that can be experienced in a serious crash and may be able to help.
