Since its inception in 1992, texting has grown exponentially1 and is now a primary method of social networking, as well as an accepted business practice. It is convenient and the satisfaction of quick replies is often rewarded. Texting has changed the way America communicates – yet change often yields unintended consequences.

Texting is a major component of distracted driving, which is defined as anything that diverts attention and focus from the task of safe and defensive operation of a motor vehicle.2 Other diversions include answering or making phone calls with a handheld or hands-free device, talking to passengers, programming the navigation system, or adjusting the radio, as well as eating and drinking in the car. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that distracted driving is responsible for killing 9 people and injuring more than 1,000 people every day.2

The three main types of driving distractions are:
Visual: taking your eyes off the road
Manual: taking your hands off the steering wheel
Cognitive: taking your mind and focus off the act of driving2

Texting incorporates all 3 types of driving distractions.
In the 5 seconds it takes to read or send a short text message, a distracted driver will have driven the length of a football field (traveling at 55 MPH), having given minimal attention to the road and missing potential obstacles and safety threats along the way.2 A cognitively distracted driver focuses predominantly on the immediate road ahead, and neglects to scan the periphery. This phenomenon is called Cognitive Tunnel Vision and is responsible for late or missed identification of hazards.3

Cognitively distracted drivers demonstrate longer response times than undistracted drivers.3 When driving 50 MPH, the response time of a distracted driver increases by up to 0.4 seconds—which adds two extra car lengths to the stopping distance.3 In response, numerous states have implemented financial and legal consequences for texting and driving. In Alaska, a first time offense can result in a $10,000 fine and one year in prison.4 If someone is injured or killed, the penalty increases to a maximum of $250,000 and 20 years in prison.4 Despite nationwide education on the hazards of distracted driving, cell phone use by drivers continues to be a routine practice. What motivates individuals to answer the phone despite convincing statistics, hefty fines and the risk of incarceration?

Dings and Dopamine
David Greenfield, founder of the Center for Internet and Technology Addiction, states that one reason it is hard to ignore electronic devices while driving is because the ding of an incoming text or email stimulates dopamine release in the brain.5 Dopamine, an important neurotransmitter involved in the reward pathway, incents us to repeat beneficial behaviors.6 It is released when we experience pleasurable activities, such as enjoying a meal, after we exercise, and during satisfying social engagements.6 Trevor Haynes writes in Science in the News at Harvard University: “Every notification, whether it’s a text message, a “like” on Instagram, or a Facebook notification, has the potential to be a positive social stimulus and dopamine influx.”6 Since dopamine contributes to feelings of pleasure, it is a significant variable in the area of addiction. Technology addiction explains why we are motivated to address texts and phone calls while driving, despite the knowledge that doing so puts us, loved ones, and innocent bystanders in danger. Don’t be the cause or the victim of a life-altering car crash. Before you get behind the wheel, put the phone on airplane mode and arrive safely. Now that is a behavior worth repeating.

References

1. https://crashstats.nhtsa.dot.gov/Api/Public/ViewPublication/812426
2. https://www.dmv.com/ak/alaska/distracted-driving-laws
3. https://www.meaforensic.com/distracted-driving-how-it-affects-liability/
4. http://www.akleg.gov/basis/get_documents.asp?session=29&docid=40972
5. https://virtual-addiction.com/
6. http://sitn.hms.harvard.edu/flash/2018/dopamine-smartphones-battle-time