Quote:
Originally Posted by Maritime Q-Scout
It has to do with state of mind. On a cell phone the implicit state of mind is continuous flow of conversation. Think just like radio, there's no dead air. A pause in a telephone conversation is an awkward pause, just like a normal conversation.
In the car, however, there is a slight difference. The number one priority is manoeuvring a massive piece of equipment as relatively high speeds. If something were to happen, say to avoid a pot hole, you're cut off, or you have to swerve to avoid a cat, the conversation instantly stops, you handle the road situation, and then continue the conversation where you left off (or shift to what just happened).
Now take the scenario of driving state of mind conversation and mix it with normal pause-less conversation. When things are going normally in the car it works just fine. However, when there's an abnormal event then the brain stops functioning normally trying to keep two realms going at once. On the one hand your trying to focus your energy on avoiding an accident or a negative incident on the road, combined with your socially constructed desire to respond and stay focused on the conversation. Both tasks require the critical thinking part of your brain, and your brain isn't designed or accustomed to multi-tasking *on that level*.
I don't have time to look up studies now (ironically enough I should be studying rather than posting on CP) however it's been determined that using hands-free devices such as cell phones when driving don't reduce the number of accidents (when talking at least) because two hands on the wheel isn't the problem, it's the mental state of mind.
*note* when I say "your" I mean "you" in a general sense, I'm certain there are people that can function multi-tasking in that way, hence the study previously quoted at 0.2%. _Q_ I don't mean to single you out personally, just answer your question.
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Well your brain isn't fried enough for this to be incoherent. It makes perfect sense. I do argue, though, that while talking on the phone while in your car, your number one priority should still be driving. Yes, it might be awkward to stop a conversation while on the phone, however, it is not as important as saving your life/property. I have on several occasions just dropped my phone while chatting because i realized that I needed to avoid an obstacle. It's not very hard to pay attention to the road while talking on the phone. I am not arrogant enough to believe that I am part of the 0.2% of the population that has superior driving capabilities. I am sure most of us can do it, you just need to set your priorities straight.