Pop Quiz: Talking On The Phone While Driving

You are driving down the road and your cell phone rings. What is the first thing you do?

A. Pull over and answer it.
B. Let it go to voicemail. They can wait until you get where you are going.
C. Answer it and keep driving.
D. Look at the phone, wait for the caller to hang up and then send him a quick text.
E. Cell phone? What’s a cell phone?

Before we check your answers, let’s just point out how dangerous it is to drive and talk on the phone at the same time. Anything that takes away your focus from the road can cause accidents. It is very important to understand that even the slightest delay in reaction time can mean the difference between a slight swerve and a full-on collision. If you are on the phone and do not notice the light change until a split second later, you could end up getting side swiped or worse.

Going back to our little test, let’s check your answers. It’s OK if you want to go ahead and change them right now. If you answered either A or B, congratulations! You are driving safely and undistracted! Pulling over or waiting until you reach your destination to talk on the phone is the way to go.

If you answered either C or D, you might want to reevaluate the way you’ve been driving. Try using your phone before you leave the house. If you think having it on the seat next to you might be tempting, put it in your trunk. Out of sight, out of mind!

If you answered E, well, you probably won’t be worried about talking or texting while driving either, so great answer! Stay safe out there on the roads and leave your phone alone!

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