Where we use our smartphones ... Not only in the car

 

One of the areas of specialization in my Public Relations practice is traffic safety.  I've been working in this segment of PR for more than 20 years, since I organized and publicized the first World Traffic Safety Symposium for the New York Auto Show.

The Auto Show work led to a contract for the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and then the National Road Safety Foundation, a non-profit that produces safe driving educational programs and distributes them free to schools, police and individuals.  I've also done work for companies that market traffic safety-related products including one I recently started with -- a just-launched cellphone app called LifeSaver that prevents the user from texting and driving.

I know how big and important an issue texting and distraction is.  It's up there as one of the top causes of traffic crashes... just behind impairment. 

A recent Forrester Research study shows that 68 percent of us access the internet from our cars.  Hopefully, not all are driving when they do that, but it's easy to see what a big danger cellphones have become for those of us on the road.

The survey also shows that 64 percent go online via mobile devices in our living rooms; 63 percent in restaurants; 61 percent in the bedroom; 51 percent in the kitchen; 50 percent in the bathroom; 45 percent on public transit.

The restaurant figure shows how addicted we've become to being connected.  We've all been in restaurants where you'll see a group of people at a table -- all looking down at their phones instead of engaging in conversation with their tablemates.  As for the bathroom statistic -- well, I guess going online is yet another way to be productive in the bathroom.  Talk about multi-tasking!

George Simpson, who writes for Media Daily News, has a good column on the subject.  It'll give you a chuckle as you scratch your head and wonder... "What are we becoming?"  Or as Simpson headlines his column:  "Sure signs that society is starting to crumble."

 

 

Comments

[Lynette Kristine]

via Facebook
"Hi David...Lynette from OR....liked your 2 cents on cell phones. I keep my cell zipped in purse when driving. I can always call people back. After Jim died I learned that I can choose who I talk to and when. Why do we think we have to answer phone simply because it rings? I love answer machines. Have a good day...bye"

[Yonit Astmann]

via Facebook ...

"When I realized I was distracted, I put the phone away. However on long drives cross country, I will put it on Bluetooth."

[Linda Vermika]

Try not to allow your cell phone to go completely dead all the way before charging it again. Cell phone batteries were made to be recharged periodically. They do not hold a charge correctly if you let the battery completely die. Try to remember to charge a cell phone battery early on.