Roadside Chat - Let it go, let it go. The phone doesn't bother me anyway
If you’re unable to put your cell phone out of your reach while you’re driving, you may have “nomophobia” or the fear of being without a mobile device. According to the online Addiction Center, there are more than 3.8 billion smartphone users in the world. Research published by Virgin Mobile discovered that those billions of smartphone users receive 427 percent more messages and notifications than they did a decade ago. They also send 278 percent more texts.
In addition to the risk of causing a crash if you’re using the phone while you’re driving, several studies note that over time, the devoted use of smartphones can alter and negatively impact an individual much like gambling.
Phone addiction may lead to:
- Sleep deficit
- Lower concentration
- Creativity blocks
- Aggravated ADD
- Anxiety
- Reduced cognition
- Stress
- Loneliness
- Insecurity
- Impaired relationships
- Poor grades
- Psychological disorders
Not sure if you’re addicted? Take this test - https://www.psycom.net/drug-alcohol-addiction-treatment/phone-addiction-test
For 2021, there were a total of 354 fatalities reported. So far in 2022, there have been 10 deaths in traffic crashes. That’s an increase of two fatalities since last Friday. To see statistics published daily by the Office of Driver Services, go to the daily fatality report at https://www.iowadot.gov/mvd/stats/daily.pdf