I believe that whether people realize it or not, most are addicted to their smartphones and other mobile devices. Even if they wanted to, they don’t have the self-control to stop using these devices while driving.
Understanding and acknowledging that there’s an addiction is the first, of several steps, in fixing this growing safety problem. What happens next is up to all of us.
As reported by CNN’s Anderson Cooper, Silicon Valley is engineering your phone, apps and social media to get you hooked. Truth be told, you’re holding a modern day slot machine in your hand. Most people can’t stop using it even if they wanted to.
According to Google software engineers, every time you check your phone, you’re playing the slot machine to see, ‘What did I get?’ (likes, shares, comments…). Your mind is being hijacked while creating habits. Potentially deadly habits when you do this while driving.
If you don’t believe me, take a close look at this recent post with interviews and videos, “What is “brain hacking”? Tech insiders on why you should care”
When you take in to consideration that smartphones are the new drug of choice for teens who also happen to be very inexperienced drivers, this entire safety issue has a whole new meaning.
Hands-Free is Not Safe
I believe the other big issue people are misinformed about is the false perception that it’s safe to use a hands-free Bluetooth system while driving. It’s not. In fact, nothing could be further from the truth.
The evidence shows that hands-free and Bluetooth devices offer no safety benefits whatsoever. In fact, they “distract” you from the act of driving for up to 27 seconds after use. The same concept applies to the quality of your attentiveness while driving when your passengers are using their smartphones. Click here for the research
If you can’t stop yourself from using your smartphone while driving, then you’re probably addicted to your phone. Please get help before somebody is killed.
Lead by example and turn your smarthphone off before turning your car on. Learn more about the facts of distracted driving by visiting StopDD.today EndDD.org and ItCanWait.com
