Summer is almost upon us (thank goodness!) and with summer comes more reasons and opportunities for driving. So let's begin to talk about the components of driving that I mentioned in earlier topic pieces in this forum at Lumigrate. And what better one to start with than divided attention. This is simply the ability to attend to two or more things AT THE SAME TIME.
Traditionally with driving, this meant paying attention to interior dials and gauges while paying attention (and responding to) what is going on outside of the vehicle. As technology progressed, the number of things that beckon to or demand our attention has increased. First it was the drive-through; remember the first time you picked up your food and then tried to juggle the hamburger and drink while driving? Then came pagers - of course you had to look to see who was paging you.
Next came cell phones - now you don't have to find a telephone to put change in and call from; you can talk while you drive! Then the technology of the vehicles themselves changed - suddenly you have a route finder right in the car; and again you have to look at it. (Yes you can listen to the directions, but if you operate best visually, you are going to look at it anyway.)
And finally there is texting on your cell phone. Even Oprah has weighed in on this issue as well as talking on cell phones. It is bad enough that your visual attention is divided, now you don't have a spare hand to put on the wheel. How can this be safe?!
I am not even certain that a hands free device for conversations is safe. How many of us LOOK at the hands free device while talking simply because in our society we are trained to make eye contact when talking with someone. And what about cognitive function? If you are thinking about what is going on in the conversation, are you really processing (and reacting to) what is going on around you?
I have to admit that I find it difficult to text and walk at the same time, so certainly do not attempt this in a moving vehicle. I CAN walk and talk so do use the cell while driving sometimes. Remember, though, that just because I have done it for x number of years without a crash does not mean that I am NOT putting myself and others at risk. It is always safer to get out of traffic in a safe place to have a conversation on the cell phone.
Look at the crash rate statistics, then make a responsible decision. We should not have to have the government make laws to regulate our actions on this, in my opinion.
Drive safely and keep the rubber side down. -- Karen
Mardy's Note: December 13, 2011 NTSB made new recommendations restricting the use of cell phones for conversations even with headsets, but allowing for manufacturer-installed technology, per CNN's report; there is much in the media about this and much controversy and conversation.
Karen Richardson, OTR/CDRS
Registered Occupational Therapist, Certified Driving Rehabilitation SpecialistFind all the topics I've contributed here at Lumigrate at http://www.lumigrate.com/forums/integrative-medicine-parts-m... [1] We encourage questions and comments, just use the Contact Us here at Lumigrate.com!
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[9] http://www.lumigrate.com/forum/divided-attention-or-driving-while-using-cell-phone#comment-651
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Comments
I notice that my driving is just fine when talking on the cell BUT I don't scan as much in my mirrors and checking intersections for people that might be blowing through a red light due to not seeing it. I actually personally find that texting for my brain is less distracting to my driving than talking .... but I'm particularly capable on keyboards due to millions of words typed in my early adulthood I think. I can type in a few words or a sentence without looking and then put it in my lap if something's concerning me and IMMEDIATELY give more attention to the driving task ... when you have a person on the other end of the phone calling you need to stay with that conversation since you're 'engaged' in conversation. Last night I had a person riding with me, which is kind of rare actually, and I noticed that she was also seeing if something required my attention and would pause the conversation when there was something needing more attention -- and you do NOT get that with a person on a call.
So what about the moms with kids who now have to be in the BACK seats and are needing attention? Is that a good example of driving with distraction? I see cars with five or more young people all piled in and they're booming tunes and basically having a party in the car and that driver's very distracted. Do we have a law about that? So I will say I agree with YOU, Karen ... it's not the phone/devices to be restricted legally. VERY challenging issue though.... And brings in the political issue of how much government mandating or free will of the public to have.
Live and Learn. Learn and Live Better! is my motto. I'm Mardy Ross, and I founded Lumigrate in 2008 after a career as an occupational therapist with a background in health education and environmental research program administration. Today I function as the desk clerk for short questions people have, as well as 'concierge' services offered for those who want a thorough exploration of their health history and direction to resources likely to progress their health according to their goals. Contact Us comes to me, so please do if you have questions or comments. Lumigrate is "Lighting the Path to Health and Well-Being" for increasing numbers of people. Follow us on social networking sites such as: Twitter: http://twitter.com/lumigrate [3] and Facebook. (There is my personal page and several Lumigrate pages. For those interested in "groovy" local education and networking for those uniquely talented LumiGRATE experts located in my own back yard, "LumiGRATE Groove of the Grand Valley" is a Facebook page to join. (Many who have joined are beyond our area but like to see the Groovy information! We not only have FUN, we are learning about other providers we can be referring patients to and 'wearing a groove' to each other's doors -- or websites/home offices!) By covering some of the things we do, including case examples, it reinforces the concepts at Lumigrate.com as well as making YOU feel that you're part of a community. Which you ARE at Lumigrate!
Today Gwen Pettit wrote about a solution from a health coaching perspective related to a real-world example she had today whe traveling (and thinking) and driving ... you might want to check it out over in her Forum at Lumigrate (I suggest you do!) The link, for your convenience follows: (And I've commented there as well -- interesting stuff).
www.lumigrate.com/forum/dont-drive-and-think-same-time [8]
Live and Learn. Learn and Live Better! is my motto. I'm Mardy Ross, and I founded Lumigrate in 2008 after a career as an occupational therapist with a background in health education and environmental research program administration. Today I function as the desk clerk for short questions people have, as well as 'concierge' services offered for those who want a thorough exploration of their health history and direction to resources likely to progress their health according to their goals. Contact Us comes to me, so please do if you have questions or comments. Lumigrate is "Lighting the Path to Health and Well-Being" for increasing numbers of people. Follow us on social networking sites such as: Twitter: http://twitter.com/lumigrate [3] and Facebook. (There is my personal page and several Lumigrate pages. For those interested in "groovy" local education and networking for those uniquely talented LumiGRATE experts located in my own back yard, "LumiGRATE Groove of the Grand Valley" is a Facebook page to join. (Many who have joined are beyond our area but like to see the Groovy information! We not only have FUN, we are learning about other providers we can be referring patients to and 'wearing a groove' to each other's doors -- or websites/home offices!) By covering some of the things we do, including case examples, it reinforces the concepts at Lumigrate.com as well as making YOU feel that you're part of a community. Which you ARE at Lumigrate!
Hello my dawlinks! I've got one or two things to say here. I'm your Yenta, of course I have something to say, my parents named me appropriately.
When it comes to us alter kakers (old people), things such as this GPS, cell phones, beepers, aren't always as important as they are to the yinger (young) set (say 70 and younger). Personally, Moishe and I have enough of a time getting to where we have to go with the gadgets and gizmos that are in cars right now and we're driving a 1991 VW (there's that C.R.A.F.T. thing again). However, I have gone to places with Ellen's son, Rubin and let me tell you about this bohker (young man).
Ellen has put the fear of G-d into this kinder! He has a cell phone that stays in his pocket while he's driving. If he gets a text message, he won't look at it until he parks his car. Once again, he has to PARK his car before he looks at a text message. If his phone rings, he CAN answer it but only if he does through the car (it has something called soretooth or sharktooth or pinkboot - C.R.A.F.T.) and the kibbitzing must be kept short. Eyes are to be taken off the road only to pay attention to the gadgets needed for getting the car down the road safely, and done appropriately.
He's not allowed a GPS yet since he's only been driving less than 2 years and is not making plans for any large road trips. If he needs to plan out a trip he's been informed he'll learn how to read a map and a compass. It doesn't stop there and this is one of the reasons why Rubin will not cross Ellen's klals (rules): If he's stopped by the police for any reason AND taken to jail for a proven offense, he will have to stay there for at least 24 hours.
Now, I have to admit when I first heard this I was a bit broygez (angry) with Ellen but then I thought about it and I see how Rubin respects these rules that have been set before him. He's never had an accident, never a ticket, drives the speed limit and is very respectful of people crossing the road (pedestrians have the right of way in Florida) and it makes me very proud to know this bohker and his family.
No eating in the car, by the way, it attracts bugs in Florida. That's the only klal Rubin has broken. I bought him a car vaccuum. Don't tell Ellen.
Your
Yenta
Yenta Tellabenta is truly a 'creation' for outreach and education with Lumigrate.com through storytelling and reinforcement of key concepts related to body, mind, spirit. Written by a very talented and somewhat mysterious younger wise woman who found her way to Lumigrate the summer of 2009, we hope you enjoy having your own Yenta with us at Lumigrate! Yenta (meaning 'town gossip' or 'connector') has a dedicated Forum at Lumigrate at http://www.lumigrate.com/forums/health-issuesdis-eases/fibro... [10] and can also be found on facebook.