Do you suffer from fear of missing out, or ‘FOMO’ behind the wheel of a car?
In the digital era that we live in, we spend more time than ever devoted to our phones. From using the Internet and making phone calls to texting and instant messaging.
The idea of instant messaging though, and also ‘push notifications’ encourages people to regularly check their phones so they don’t miss out on any important updates.
We spend so much time looking down at our phones that scientists have now discovered that the digital generation develop similar feelings to children who get separated from their parents, when they are separated from their phones. That is, stress and a sense of panic. They have a fear of being disconnected from their online and virtual life and missing out on any social experiences.
Young people are becoming so fixated by their mobiles and smart phones that they are displaying the type of attachment behaviours reserved for a child’s interactions with their parents.
Gary McClarty, managing director of Boxymo.ie says, “In the company of others not taking your eyes off your phone is deemed rude, but behind the wheel of a car it can be deadly.”
Distracted driving could be a factor in as many as 20-30% of all collisions in Ireland, with the biggest distraction being the mobile phone, especially for young drivers.
Although we’re aware of the dangerous associated with using a mobile behind the wheel, including killing people, many rational and intelligent people are still risking a text to their friends, a quick call to the office, a selfie for social media or even a glance at their notification screen.
How does using a mobile phone while I’m driving affect how I drive?
Did you know that regardless of whether you use a mobile phone hand held or hands free, it will hinder your driving in different ways?
Making a phone call will make you four times more likely to crash, while texting is an overwhelming twenty-three times more likely to cause a crash. These terrifying results show how taking your mind and eyes off the road for just a split second to use your mobile phone can destroy everything forever.
What should I do when I’m driving?
Even a hands-free kit or blue tooth system can be a distraction when you use a mobile phone while you are driving.
Drivers know it’s illegal to use their mobiles, yet many still risk it. Why?
Perhaps the reality of the digital world is that many friendships rely heavily on social media and immediate response text messaging. Research suggests that upon receiving a text message, there is an increasing feeling of being obligated to reply right away or face the chance of angering/upsetting their friend - even if they’re driving.
Gary McClarty, managing director of Boxymo.ie comments “Although FOMO is a growing issue in today’s modern day culture, motorists need to be aware that a long-awaited response from a text does not mean rejection all of the time. They need to focus on the road ahead and only check their phones once they’ve safely reached their destination.”
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