We've all seen those people who simply have to use the phone while driving – they think they look cool, busy and important. They think they are being efficient and making good use of time; quite unaware that they are a menace to other road users. They are terribly wrong on both counts. They look stupid, not cool and they are a terrible menace to other road users, no matter what faith they have in their own multi-tasking abilities. The statistics say so and so do the memes:
It also looks stupid. One looks distracted, uncoordinated and not quite all there when they are on their phone and trying to drive at the same time. So anyone who thinks they look cool chatting on the phone while driving? Shouldn’t.
Statistics show those who speak on the phone while driving are four times as likely to need hospitalisation. One out of every four automobile crashes in the United States are caused by texting while driving
No one is so important that they have to answer that phone right while they are driving. Wait by the side for a second if that call simply has to be answered. And surely one isn't so primitive that one cannot operate the car Bluetooth or a headset /handsfree.
If one has to do something on the phone, at the very least, use a hands-free. Even if one doesn’t hurt themselves they could end up killing an innocent person.
No, that message doesn’t have to be answered right away. It can wait will one reaches wherever one has to. The very fact that they messaged and didn’t call means that it isn't urgent.
When you really need two hands on the handle, it is beyond stupid to carry on a phone conversation like this. And it is as stupid to wedge that phone between the ear and the shoulder!
One may think just taking a peek at their Spotify isn't risky, but it is. It takes the eyes and one's attention off the road. Music while driving may be important; but as important is to make sure that playlist is ready before leaving.
So don’t speak on the phone while driving. If you do, make sure you're hooked up to the car blue tooth or at the very least use a hands-free set. And even then don’t carry on long conversations. No matter what you think, it is distracting for you and dangerous for other road users. Never text when you drive. If you have to do that urgently, stop by the side of the road for a minute or ask someone else in the car to type out the text for you. Remember a car accident can be life-changing for you and all the others involved – and not in a good way.
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