Research claims that driving using a cell phone can be as risky (or more) than driving drunk

If the advancement of technology, on the one hand, has improved our lives in countless ways (by making communications easier and cheaper, for example), on the other hand, it has created new and unexpected problems. The use of social networks or some apps in traffic, for example, takes away the attention of those behind the wheel, with risks comparable to those caused by drinking alcohol while driving. A number of studies have shown the dangers of this practice.

In this post, in addition to showing what these risks are, the awesome.club presents tips to stay connected without giving up security.

To get an idea of ​​the dangers, checking a message that arrives on WhatsApp or SMS traveling at a speed of 80 km/h is equivalent to driving around a football field (110 meters) with your eyes closed. For this, it is enough for the driver to keep his eyes on the smartphone for just 4.5 seconds – the average time spent in this gesture – to cause a serious accident.

When taking a peek at the Facebook feed while driving and being at a speed of 50km/h, a driver incurs a risk equivalent to that of leaving the car walking alone for about 50 meters (or 12 medium vehicles in a row), as shown by a study by Cesvi (Center for Experimentation and Road Safety). The same study shows that, when taking a brief look at Instagram (3 seconds) in a car at 50 km/h, the driver will be at risk for 30 meters — the distance traveled without actually being aware of what is happening. occurring and therefore reaction time. It’s like driving blindfolded.

Another study indicates that answering a call or simply skimming the news feed while driving is just as dangerous as driving under the influence of alcohol. This research was carried out by the British insurance company Direct Line, which worked by observing 20 volunteers who drove in simulators. She confirmed this statement, which, of course, does not make the act of drinking and driving any less risky.

Security scholars have identified the most common types of distractions that occur when using cell phones and driving. Auditory distraction is identified when the driver fails to pay attention to the sounds and alerts emitted inside and outside the vehicle (horns or sirens, for example) to, instead, pay attention to app notifications or WhatsApp messages.

When a driver turns his attention away from what is happening on the road or in the street and instead focuses on what he has just seen on his cell phone, he is taking a huge risk. This is that brief moment when a child or an animal can appear in front of the car, causing a serious accident.

According to Brazilian law, handling a cell phone while driving is a very serious infraction and punishable by a fine of R$ 293.47 and 7 points on the National Driver’s License (CNH). Using headphones is also prohibited, precisely because it causes auditory distraction. This is an average infraction with a penalty of 4 points on the National Driver’s License and a fine of R$ 130.16.

Automakers are concerned about this new problem and are taking action. Ford, for example, has developed a multimedia center that synchronizes the smartphone with the car. Programming is very simple and the car’s dashboard offers navigation, music and phone functions applications, including the Do Not Disturb feature.

Most cell phones today already have a setting called “do not disturb”, which prevents the user from receiving notifications and calls during scheduled hours. To help even more, Apple included the “Do Not Disturb While Driving” function in iOS 11. With it, the cell phone is automatically locked as soon as it realizes that you are in a moving vehicle, ensuring more attention.

Google launched the Driving Mode function on the Google Pixel 2 smartphone and is making it available on other Android system phones. It will be made available to Android 9.0 users via Google Play soon and also aims to keep the user safe while driving. The tool works with sensors to identify movement in the car, disabling notifications and various features.

In order for us to have safer traffic, it is important that we use all the resources that are within our reach. There are a number of other apps that can help with mindful driving. What is important, however, is that we are aware that the car is like a weapon and if it is not driven responsibly, it can have fatal consequences for society as a whole.

Now tell us the truth: do you check your phone while driving? Or what attitudes do you usually take to not have this kind of problem? Did you like the app tips? Have you used any of them? Tell us everything.