Distracted driving used to mean fidgeting with the radio or reading a map. And sometimes it still does. Today’s distractions go much further, though — texting, tweeting, composing emails, snapping selfies, and even filming YouTube videos or live broadcasts behind the wheel.
It seems we live in a culture that doesn’t fully appreciate the very real, incredibly lethal threat that distracted driving poses. Measures to counteract the practice have met varying degrees of success, but “intextication” remains an epidemic — and in most places, it’s only getting worse.
Now the “It Can Wait” campaign, which implores people to put down the phone until they reach a stopping place, is hoping they can change the trend with the very thing that started it: the smartphone.
They’ve developed a new app that uses the smartphone screen to simulate the dangers of distracted driving. For an upgraded experience, consumers can even use a virtual reality headset for a “driver’s-eye view,” KTLA reports.
Using the smartphone to reach texters where they’re at represents a novel approach to the problem. Hopefully, it’s one that will work.
If you’ve ever found yourself tempted to text behind the wheel, download the app and give it a try. Maybe it will change your perspective. Just don’t do it while you’re driving.
