NCJ Number
215990
Journal
Law Enforcement Technology Volume: 54 Issue: 9 Dated: September 2006 Pages: 141-143
Date Published
September 2006
Length
3 pages
Annotation
The author, who is a driving instructor for operators of emergency vehicles with the Grand Rapids Police Department (Michigan), provides instruction in how to maintain safe driving practices while talking on a cell phone.
Abstract
He advises that cell phones can be used safely while driving as long as proper precautions are taken. The first rule for using a cell phone while driving is to do so only while driving in a straight line. Cell-phone related accidents often occur because the phone is being used when driving conditions require the full attention of the driver. Cell phone conversations should only be attempted when traffic, road, and weather conditions require less than the full attention of the mind and body to driving. Driving safely while using a cell phone requires the development of specific mental and physical habits that are not generally followed when a person conducts a phone conversation. When talking on the phone, people typically concentrate on hearing and mentally processing what the other person is saying while also composing one's own responses in the conversation. While this is occurring, the brain is diverted partially from what the eyes are seeing and the speed of the body's reactions to other stimuli in the caller's surroundings. This means that the driver who is engaged in a cell phone conversation must cultivate and practice the mental habit of focusing on seeing and reacting to what is happening on the road ahead. It also requires practicing quick shifts of concentration, i.e., when a driving challenge requires increased concentration and reaction times, forget the phone conversation and focus only on driving.