I've viewed a few other responses to this thread, and have to add that
(IMO) talking to a passenger is usually accompanied by that passenger
becoming a part of the driving -- like someone else keeping watch.
(Look OUT!) It probably does decrease the driver's attentiveness, but
the total attentiveness in the vehicle doesn't drop as low as when the
brain is trying to engage with a completely disconnected other. (IMO)
Donald.
> Date: Thu, 21 Dec 2000 16:32:58 -0500
> From: "William M. Gilroy" <wmgilroy@avaya.com>
>
>
> Paul F Mele wrote:
> >
> > I'm worried about a certain statistic....People driving while talking on
> > cell phones have the same accident and death rate as DRUNK DRIVERS. This is
> > NOT becouse of their hands or ears being occupied...it's the same with or
> > without the hands-free set-ups. It's because driver's minds are diverted
> > from driving towards the conversation.
>
> I don't doubt this statistic but I have a question. If it is the
> conversation that cause the problem how come talking to your
> passenger does not result in the same accident rate? Why
> is the phone call different than an in person conversation?
>
> Bill Gilroy
|