Mark Richtel's "Driven to Distraction: At 60 M.P.H. Office Work is High Risk" describes the increasing tendency of motorists to use distracting devices like cell phones and laptop computers while driving. In a highly competitive and "seconds-count economy," employees routinely drive while using cell phones and laptops, a form of multitasking that has turned automobiles into a "mobile office" (Richtel, 2009, A1). White collar workers claim they can multitask effectively and the risk of losing customers is greater than any chance of accident. Blue collar workers like plumbers need to do so because of employer demands or the knowledge that whoever "responds first wins" (Richtel, 2009, A1). However, more crashes attributed to "distracted driving" have been occurring now that such mobile multitasking is commonplace. Transportation secretary Ray LaHood calls distracted driving a "deadly epidemic," and ample evidence of fatalities in crashes attributed to distracted riving back up his claim (Richtel, 2009, A1). As more companies are discovering the risk to employees is far greater than any benefits gained from distracted driving more are banning this practice among employees. Studies show the brain is wired to "unitask" and something has to give when people are distracted behind the wheel, often with deadly consequences resulting in costly financial settlements for businesses (Richtel, 2009, A1). Laws need passed to ban the use of distracting devices like cell phones and computers while driving.
Richtel, Mark. "Driven to Distraction: At 60 m.p.h. Office Work is High Risk." New York Times, October 1, 2009, A1.
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