The workplace is often demanding, and many workers feel like they are constantly striving to get more done — and endlessly falling short. We’ve all heard people lament that there just aren’t enough hours in the day or that they can’t seem to get caught up. The work is never done.
For some, this means starting the work day a bit early, while still on a morning commute. Someone who faces a 45-minute drive into the office may feel like they’re wasting an hour and a half every day. The pressures of always being behind could influence them to start making phone calls or sending text messages while behind the wheel. Why not gives themselves an extra 45 minutes of work in what is essentially a mobile office?
The reason not to do this, of course, is the severe risk that this type of distraction creates. Even talking on a phone makes a car accident more likely, and texting is even worse. Work that needs to be done in the office should stay in the office — and out of the car.
Is this happening?
Knowing what we know about distracted driving, you may be wondering if people are even doing this. Don’t they also understand the risks well enough not to push their luck?
The statistics say that they don’t. For instance, reports found that people made phone calls in the car at a higher rate on the weekdays, rather than the weekends. How many of those calls were work-related? How many happened during a commute? The rise in frequency on work days is telling.
Some wary drivers may opt to use hands-free devices so that they can keep both hands on the wheel and still get work done. This is better, perhaps, than holding a phone, but studies have shown that even hands-free devices are not safe. They also increase crash risks and are not recommended.
After an accident
The dangers you face on your morning commute are significant. If you get injured in an accident with a distracted, overworked driver, be sure you know what legal options you have.