Tags:
Journalism of Courage
Handling a mobile phone while driving is risky, even if you thought the immediate consequence is only a challan reaching your home if the police catch you. However, the risk of crashing into another car is much higher and it is not about not being able to use both hands, the truth is your brain can’t handle it, so says latest research from US.
Two tasks too much
Your brain can’t handle driving and talking on the phone simultaneously. US researchers found that a “bottleneck” occurs in the brain when people attempt to carry out two simultaneous tasks. The study found that the brain slows down when attempting a second task less than 300 milliseconds after the first. The findings, published in Neuron, support the case for a complete ban on the use of mobile phones when driving.
Researchers from Vanderbilt University used functional MRI scans to detect changes in oxygenated blood in the brain — a way of monitoring the activity in different brain regions. “It is a biological fact and conventional scientific research has shown that certain parts of the brain, like the prefrontal cortex, which helps in focusing and concentration is jammed with overload of information,” said Dr Jitendra Nagpal, senior psychiatrist at VIMHANS, Delhi.
Not just talking
Talking on mobile phones when driving was dangerous, they said, because motorists are bombarded with visual information and cannot handle talking simultaneously. Ditto for those using a handset with their headset with their cell phone as they are doing two cognitively demanding tasks at the same time. “Talking on phone while driving is a lot of stress on your cognitive ability to perceive multiple sources. It is not just not being able to use both hands while driving, it is actually how your mind reacts to two high stress jobs,” Nagpal added. Besides, “if you are discussing some problems or it’s your boss calling, you try to create office in a car, you get emotionally involved and concentration is less on driving.
Safe driving tips
Anyone can become an aggressive driver. Do not let stress and frustration get the best of you while driving. A few dos and don’ts.
Don’t get worked up on time management. Add 20 minutes extra to your travel time. Early starters are healthier.
Do not drive when angry, overtired or upset. When possible, change your schedule to avoid congestion.
Listen to relaxing music or books on tape
Avoid conflict even if you are right.
