[BC] The "telephone mindset." and Driving.

[Jess Hundahl]

From: Jess Hundahl

This is a drift of BlueBox.

I think it is a combination of

Outside car noise / Radio/IPad / CD Audio/Cellphone GPS and cell phone calls.

All take time from controlling a 2 to 4 ton car/truck at 60 to 80 MPH.

JH

I will have to disagree for at least myself.  I find myself with a hazy unfocused mindset when not using a head set or speaker phone.  I am a very defensive (and sometimes slightly offensive) driver from being focused on my driving while everyone else zooms around with little regard for their or anyone else's safety.  I firmly believe that a driver who is just a little aggressive is much safer than the little old lady plodding along 5 mph under the speed limit with only their white knuckles showing above the dash OR the guy on the phone trying to work up a date or close a deal.

> This explains why you are distracted so much more when you driving and

> talking on a cell, versus driving while talking to a person sitting in

> the seat next to you.  A "hands free" conversation only makes it

> worse. More noise to contend with.

Perhaps, but I think only in part.

Methinks the bigger problem is the "telephone mindset."

We've been trained all our lives that it's rude to ignore the person  with whom you are speaking, so you *must* give them 100% of  your attention.

Since it's a "telephone," an extension of an in-person conversation,  it would be rude to pay attention to the road while you are on the phone.

To me, that's the much bigger problem.

--

Cowboy

Jess Hundahl


Northwestern University

Evanston IL. 60208