The distracted driver

Abstract

A serious health problem is developing from auto mobile collisions caused by distracted drivers. This is a result of the rapid proliferation of portable cel lular telephones and personal organisers used while driving, the development of more sophisticated entertainment systems and instrument panel con trols, the advent of navigation and television dis plays in vehicles and promises of sophisticated wireless email, FAX and Internet services in the vehicle. Preoccupation with electronic gadgets may also degrade human driving performance. Many drivers however, sincerely believe they have the talent to do several things at the same time, such as hold and look at a cellular telephone in one hand and drive with a beverage container in the other hand whilst at the same time, exercise their personal skills. Obviously, they believe that they do not need two hands on the steering wheel and two eyes on the road. This is a unique situation requiring intensive health promotion as distracted or 'offensive dri ving' may be habit forming and difficult to change, any significant design remedies will be slow to arrive and may be circumvented, and the regulato ry laws have proved difficult or impossible to enforce. This special need may require research to determine the most effective techniques for health promotion.