Distraction of Technology

Grace
Warner

Distraction
of Technology

Growing
up in a world of advancing technology and the growing popularity of
social media, I have witnessed the effects it has had on our youth
and adults of America. I so often see people blaming their Iphones
for their unhappiness, lack of self esteem, or inability to not
compare themselves to others but are we blaming our cell phones for
all the wrong things? What if this tiny device, containing snippets
from every aspect of our lives, is truly choosing our fate? A
distraction that has become so addictive, people risk their lives for
a single notification.

A
second is all it takes, a blink of distraction and you could be
causing a catastrophic accident that could ultimately change the life
of you or others. Motor vehicles have adapted to fit the needs of
many who crave their cellphones, but these advances have furthered
our chances of distracted driving and only work to prevent further
damage when an accident does occur, but shouldn’t we be able to
stop the accident from happening?

Our
lives have been overrun by screens. Newer or nicer models of cars
often come with screens built in. This technology advance allows
drivers to use gps, play music, take calls, and answer text messages
with each notification flashed across the screen, only taunting
drivers more. With these screens comes easier access to everything we
should be avoiding while driving. Each notification seems just a
simple touch a way but these interfaces are not conducive to
developing “eyes-off” muscle memory in order to keep drivers safe
and not distracted. Not only are our screens more available but, new
technology has given us the ability to use wifi in cars, giving
drivers an even bigger distraction.

In
2014, automotive wifi was created to make technology more accessible
inside vehicles. This wifi is mainly used to connect cell phones,
laptop computers, and tablets and allow for internet access. This
advancing technology gives drivers the ability to use not only their
cell phones, but any technology they want while operating a vehicle.
Automotive wifi may sound like a luxury but this simply creates a
bigger problem for drivers on the road. A greater temptation to look
away from the road for just a minute to use any technology within
reach. Vehicle hotspots are contributing to distracted driving and
creating a greater risk for all passengers in a car, even though with
advancing technology, drivers won’t be operating their cars at all.

Self-driving
cars are the next distraction to come. Many people see this new
advancement as a way for them to continue their distracted driving
without the guilt or fear. A great excuse to put their lives in
technology’s hands in order to put their vehicle hotspots and
excessive technology to use. But is this not the greatest form of
distraction? Allowing your car to keep you, all your passengers and
everyone on the road safe is a scary amount of trust that in the end
will only lead to more distracted driving and unsafe conditions on
the road.

Motor
vehicle crashes are a leading cause of death in America, and of those
deaths, distracted driving causes about 1.6 million fatalities a
year. New technology in cars such as touch screens, wifi, and
co-pilot are only making cars more unsafe and more distracting for
drivers on the road. Overall, advancements in motor vehicles has
created more distractions for drivers and therefore, more risk.