I have found that as I get older, multitasking and driving a car is more difficult.  I was rather surprised when I discovered I need to  pay attention to the other drivers on the road.  And, too, I want to preserve my life and keep my car as long as possible in good working condition and not "banged up".   Not to mention, helping everyone else stay alive on the roads.  Seems important to me.

It’s too dangerous on the road.  Those doing anything besides paying attention to the task of driving are being irresponsible.  Get a bluetooth device if you need to talk on the road.  Sipping hot soup (with a spoon) and reading the paper with Fluffy on your lap while driving?!!  Are you crazy?  I guess you are, so get off the road before you kill somebody!

The one instance that really frightened me and I’m not easily frightened was one day I watched a woman reading a book while driving on a very busy street.  I stayed well behind her I can tell you.  The stupidity of people never ceases to amaze me. 

I have bluetooth capability in my car however I don’t use it that often.  While talking on a cell phone held to your ear in your car is dangerous, talking on bluetooth can be just as bad because it still distracts your mind.  Everyone is so proud of being able to multi task.  I firmly believe there is a limit to how much attention we can pay when we are trying to multi task so much.  It only takes a split second of inattention to blow through a red light or stop sign or miss someone braking suddenly in front of you…

I try really hard to take the time to just focus on driving in my car.  Use it as a chance to unwind.  Think my own thoughts.  Hum along to some music.  Get into a positive attitude.

I am a Realtor, so by necessity, I must be on my phone when it’s Real Estate related.  However, that is what earpieces are for, which do not require taking one’s eyes off the road.  I would NEVER text and drive, and I believe those that are doing it ought to be arrested and heavily fined.

I  put on make-up, read, talk on my cell.  However, I do this on the bus or in the passenger seat because I am a non-driver by choice.

When I travel with my Dad, I answer his cell phone calls.  He’s not allowed to talk on the phone while driving when I’m in the car.  I’m lucky enough to still have my Dad around (he’s almost 77) & I intend to do what I can to keep him around as long as possible.

I can’t multi-task when I’m just sitting in a chair.

 

The difference between talking with passengers and talking on a cell phone, even hands-free, while driving is that passengers are there with you and can see the traffic situation and sense when you need to focus on your driving. The person on the other end of the phone does not know they need to pause or end the conversation.

I am an insurance risk manager and have learned many lessons from others disasters.  I keep my hands on the wheel and my eyes on the cars around me.

I’m doing it right now. Typing on the computer keypad, texting on the cell phone, juggling coffee and dinner, changing stations with my knee, talking to my three kids and three dogs in the backseat, searching for the lost change with my toes on the floormat, glancing up at the video game on the overhead, operating my GPS navigation device with my nose and operating the AC.

Not funny, eh? Neither are car crashes. And no, I don’t have any kids, I haven’t had coffee since age 7, and yes, I pay attention to the road.