You’re a cell phone owner, correct?
Are you ready to test your knowledge of cell phone use? Take this quiz and find out whether you can bust the myths.
Cell Phone Myth vs. Reality
- The human brain, and especially the female brain, can effectively multitask by switching rapidly between two, three or four different activities.
- The male brain can effectively multitask only two to three things at a time.
- It is less distracting for a driver when he or she converses with a passenger than when a driver converses with another individual via cell phone.
- The Bluetooth Technology used in most hands-free devices allow individuals to keep both hands on the steering wheel, making driving safer.
- Drivers under the influence of alcohol (.08 blood alcohol content) have a slower reaction time than those who are driving while talking on cell phones.
Let’s see what you know! Check your answers below.
- False and 2. False
Actually, neither the female nor the male human brain can effectively multitask. The human brain does not process two cognitive activities simultaneously; rather it rapidly switches between the activities. Humans can effectively engage in more than one activity when one activity is a cognitive activity and the other is not. For example, we can walk (cognitive activity) and scratch our head (non-cognitive activity) simultaneously. But what we don’t do effectively [1]is simultaneously talk on the cell phone (cognitive activity) and drive a car (cognitive activity.)
- True
According to a University of Utah study conducted in 2008, drivers using cell phones are more distracted and may miss changing traffic conditions. However, when adult passengers are having conversations in the car, they are also able to observe the road conditions and provide a second pair of eyes.
- False
The National Safety Council confirms that “whether handheld or hands-free, cell phone conversations while driving are risky because the distraction to the brain remains. Activity in the parietal lobe, the area of the brain that processes movement of visual images and is important for safe driving, decreases by as much as 37% when listening to language, according to a study by Carnegie Mellon University.”[2] In fact, this study indicates that drivers using cell phones for conversations may not notice up to half of the driving environment. The occurrence is known as “inattention blindness” — and it can be a significant factor in vehicle accidents.
- False
Contrary to popular belief, a controlled study from the University of Utah showed that drivers talking on the cell phone have slower reaction times than drivers with .08 levels, the legal intoxication limit. Surprising? Yes. But the cell phone users can eliminate this risk by terminating the call.[3]
Answers
How did you score?
If at least 4 or 5 of your answers were correct, you can consider yourself a Cell Phone Myth Buster. Congratulations!
If 3 of your answers were correct, you are on the right track but we highly recommend you read “What Every Driver Needs to Know: Distracted Driving.”
If 0 to 2 of your answers were correct, you need a cell phone primer! Read the National Safety Council white paper by clicking here.
Regardless of your score, check out the article, “What Every Driver Needs to Know: Distracted Driving”, for important statistics and the 5 changes you can make today to drive safer.
Also, read the National Safety Council white paper by clicking here. http://www.nsc.org/DistractedDrivingDocuments/Cognitive-Distraction-White-Paper.pdf
If you or a loved one was involved in a vehicle accident, Goldman & Daszkal, P.A. can help. Contact us at (954) 428-9333 or www.goldmandaszkal.com.
Since 1990, Goldman & Daszkal, P.A. has provided reputable legal representation to people throughout Palm Beach, Broward, and Miami-Dade Counties. The firm has helped thousands of individuals recover compensation from motor vehicle and boating accidents, slip and fall accidents, product defect and liability cases, pharmacy errors, and negligent security cases to cover medical expenses, pay bills, take care of their families, and return to work. Goldman & Daszkal, P.A. can help you get the relief you need to start living your life again after a serious injury. For a free and confidential consultation, contact Goldman & Daszkal, P.A., at (954) 428-9333.
[1] National Safety Council data
[2] National Safety Council documentation, http://www.nsc.org/DistractedDrivingDocuments/The-Great-Multitasking-Lie-print.pdf
[3] National Safety Council documentation, http://www.nsc.org/DistractedDrivingDocuments/The-Great-Multitasking-Lie-print.pdf