Regulations on Multitasking While Driving

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Table of Contents

Introduction
Experiences and Comfort Levels as a Multi-tasking Driver
Effect of Divided Attention while Driving
Sensory Perception Issues
Recommendations to Lawmakers
Conclusion
References

Introduction

Effective driving is a task that requires a number of intelligences. The driver should posses kinesthetic intelligence that allows him to skilfully manoeuvre the vehicle, and logical intelligence that enables him to make calculated decisions when facing other drivers (Gardner, 2006). However, many people multi-task while driving as they consider it a “brainless task” that is done habitually, therefore, does not require much effort. Multi-tasking activities such as talking on the mobile phone while driving, applying make-up, or talking to a passenger, ends up being a pitfall for many drivers resulting in road carnage due to careless driving. Consequently, safe and effective driving is a task that demands concentration by the driver, and multi-tasking while driving should be discouraged and avoided for safety.

Experiences and Comfort Levels as a Multi-tasking Driver

Multi-tasking when driving makes a driver very uncomfortable because the driver tries to divide his attention and concentration equally on two or more different things. Hence, the divided attention leads to a driver considering signs on the road and traffic as a bother because he cannot focus enough to follow the traffic rules.

Effect of Divided Attention while Driving

Inability to look at and process what the road signs are stating or to predict the moves of the other drivers makes a driver commit several driving errors, thus impeding his driving. For example, a driver who is talking with a mobile phone cannot see small distractions and can swerve and crash by reflex reaction.

Sensory Perception Issues

The ability to see, internalize and respond to stimuli is sensory and perception. When a driver is multi-tasking, their sensory perception capabilities are so low that they miss obvious distractions and make hasty decisions on the road. For example, swerving is a hasty decision whose aim is to avoid danger, and is a flight response in a high adrenalin situation (Chaudhuri, 2011). This occurs when the driver notes danger and acts on reflex because divided attention does not allow him to see and react with logic. However, a driver concentrating on driving will note a distraction and make a timely decision on how to avert the danger and respond to the stimuli. This can be referred to as high sensory and perception when driving because of the driver’s optimal awareness and response. Therefore, multi-tasking when driving lowers one’s sensory awareness and consequently, their perception of danger on the road, which in turn affects their response while driving.

Recommendations to Lawmakers

There should be strict rules and regulations against any form of distractions when driving, and these rules should be implemented without leniency to encourage safe driving. The penalty for multi-tasking when driving should be so hefty that drivers will endeavour to adhere to the rules and avoid any violation. This will ensure safer roads.

Conclusion

Multi-tasking while driving is common among habitual drivers because routine driving makes them consider their driving skills irreproachable. This leads to many errors in judgement on the road making them poor drivers, unlike the new driver who will be paying attention while driving because of uncertainty of their skills. Therefore, drivers who are often on the road should make an effort to recognise that driving is a task that requires concentration and distractions while driving are harmful to other road users as well. Hence, to be a good driver, one should employ all their senses to the task and pay attention to driving. This will help a person to have better perception of potential dangers and allow time for a logical response in any situation.

References

Chaudhuri, A. (2011). Fundamentals of Sensory Perception. UK: Oxford University Press.

Gardner, E.H. (2006). Multiple Intelligences: New Horizons in Theory and Practice. USA: Basic Books.

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