The compulsion to use a mobile has become a common feature for so many. Just look at them walking with the mobile at the ready in hand, sit at the table with it, jaywalk whilst on phone. The simply MUST react instantly to to beeps of incoming messages, calls etc.
This carries on into cars.
It is not easy to enforce the law and so the feeling of not getting caught is high.
Modern cars are also packed with toys and extras that distract the driver. My car computer has functions that are unnecessary. Who needs instantaneous mpg? You need to watch the screen to view it and it varies wildly anyway.
What I think should be done is to build in function blocks for when the car is in motion. Head up display of speed is also a step forward, but only add in emergency warnings with it. Modern cars insulate drivers from the outside world and so many "safety" devices such as abs, skid control etc generate a feeling that the car saves you not your driving skill. Add in all the toys and it makes things worse.
Why would anyone actually NEED to use a mobile whilst driving anyway? How urgent are the calls made/received? What life or death situation will cause the phone to be used?
I can link my phone to the car for hands free but dont. If needs be I can pull over to check the call.
Just because you can do something doesn't mean you should. You need your wits about you on todays busy roads.
