"Phone Zombies" Behind the Wheel: A Modern Traffic Threat

Think you're safe just because you're using hands-free? Think again. Driving while distracted by a phone, whether texting, calling or scrolling, can be just as dangerous as driving under the influence of alcohol.

Studies show that using a mobile phone while driving slows reaction times by about 30 percent, even with hands-free systems. Typing a text message while driving makes you 23 times more likely to be involved in a traffic accident.

To put it in perspective: reading or typing a text typically takes your eyes off the road for about five seconds. At city speeds, that means you're effectively driving blind for around 70 meters. On highways, it can be closer to 125 meters. During that time, anything can happen and you won’t be ready for it.

Research from various countries indicates that roughly 10 percent of traffic accidents are caused by drivers engaged in distracting activities. It's not a harmless habit. It's a measurable risk.

Recognizing the severity of the issue, patrol officers from the Lääne-Harju Police Department recently conducted a focused operation targeting distracted drivers. The outcome was alarming. Numerous drivers were caught steering with one hand while operating a phone with the other, effectively turning their vehicles into unguided missiles.

One simple truth stands out. Humans are bad at multitasking, especially when it comes to tasks that demand full attention like driving. If you're behind the wheel, your job is clear: drive.

So next time your phone buzzes while you’re on the road, ask yourself — is that notification worth your life or someone else’s?