Why Banning In-Car Cellphone Use Will Not Stop Accidents

Also known as “the longest title ever”.

Actually, it will. However, it will not stop all accidents. The only accidents it will stop are the ones directly related to the phone. In other words, the ones caused by the object itself; the same sort of accidents that would be caused by drinking coffee, doing your laundry, or shaving a goat. But what the bans will not stop are the other, less regarded, and possibly more frequent, accidents. These are the ones being caused by the conversation, the psychological effects.

The next time you are on the phone, think about the way your brain is working. You are picturing the person you are speaking to. You are concentrating on the conversation. You may be straining to hear. Your mind is busy doing a lot of things. And that’s alright when you’re at home. But when you’re in the car, it creates a problem. Because when you’re in the car, there is so much more to think about. Lights, signs, speeds. You have to time certain events, other cars. You have to remember to turn on signals, and so on. It’s very complicated, but to a good driver, it comes naturally. However, when you’re on the phone with someone, suddenly it all becomes very difficult. Your brain is working over time. Ever try listening to two people at once? That’s what your brain is doing. Trying to focus on both aspects at the same time. And it can’t do that. It’s too much to think about. Not only are you fucosed on the call, but the person on the other end of the line doesn’t know what you’re doing, where you are. Ever notice how at a large, busy intersection, everyone in the car temporarily stops talking. Everyone is focused, knowing that the driver has to pay attention and think. But the person you are on the phone with can’t see any of this. And they’re just going to keep on talking, the whole time (most likely). And that’s when accidents will occur.

So you can see that banning cellphones will only prevent some accidents. The real danger is the psychological effects phoning has on people driving. The solution? Who knows. Maybe it’s just an issue that will go unresolved. In any case, that’s my two cents.

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