Dr. Thomas Schweizer, a researcher at St. Michaels Hospital in Toronto, found out the following:

'Making a left turn while on the phone is a major distraction, specifically because it combines a high-risk, complex driving maneuver with cognitive distraction that impairs focus even with hands-free devices. Studies show this scenario significantly reduces the brain's ability to process visual cues like oncoming traffic or pedestrians, making it one of the most dangerous driving scenarios'

So, for everyone that thinks texting and driving is not an issue, this research sought of says, talking, even hands free is not too good of an idea. Did you ever hear the phrase "walk and chew gum at the same time"

Well, the handheld phone, the thing that we cannot leave home without, has become the "gum". Like, I was walking to the dreaded Acme in West New York the other day for milk. We all need milk, especially during the pre blizzard rush of an impending storm! You know the routine. So, while walking to the local grocery store, have you ever walked into someone. Sorry, that's wrong, has anyone ever walked into you because they have head looking down at their phone while walking down a busy sidewalk.

Are kidding me, put the phone away and walk. This is not my first time either, I've had to play human dodge ball a number of times. Do you remember the video of a woman in a mall, who was so into her phone, supposedly texting, she fell into the fountain. She would of been luckier if she walked into another human, not a big bucket of water. I think she might be suing the people that released that footage. Go figure 

Think about when talking on the portable phone was done while you were in the kitchen making dinner and worst thing you had to worry about was burning the asparagus! It was even better with the wall phone and you went and bought the 25' cord. The good thing about that, it was like a dog on a leash, you had a distance you were allowed to travel.

Spring ahead this weekend! This is always a tough one in an industry where you are depending upon everyone, chauffeurs and customers to all turn those clocks ahead that one hour. Yeah, I know with cells phones as our alarm clocks, the phone adjusts itself. But then you stumble to the kitchen and you see the microwave clock (that you didn't change) and you notice you have an extra hour so you "mosey on over", back to bed for an extra hour of sleep!

Good news it means Spring is on the way, just a few more weeks. Which means March Madness, baseball and the NFL Draft amongst so many other Spring time adventures.

Be safe

John A Sutich

Just Another Story Blog