📄 Mobile Phones, Internet & Radar: How Tech Affects Your Driving

In today’s connected world, your phone, constant notifications, and even radar systems can influence your driving — sometimes in ways you don’t even notice. Mobile Phones Even hands-free calls can split your attention. Studies show drivers using a phone take longer to react, miss traffic signals, and are more likely to drift lanes. Internet & Apps Navigation apps, social media, and streaming notifications can steal your focus. Glancing at a map for a few seconds might seem harmless, but at 60mph, that’s like driving the length of a football field blindfolded. Radar & In-Car Alerts Modern cars have radar systems for cruise control and collision alerts. While helpful, relying on them too much can make drivers complacent, reducing the ability to react quickly to unexpected hazards. Cognitive Overload Juggling multiple tech inputs — your phone, car alerts, and environmental cues — can overwhelm your brain, slowing reaction times and increasing accident risk. Tips to Stay Safe Put your phone on “Do Not Disturb” while driving Set up navigation before starting your journey Treat in-car alerts as assistants, not replacements for attention Take breaks if you feel mentally overloaded Bottom Line: Technology can enhance driving safety, but it can also create new distractions. Staying aware, minimizing unnecessary tech interactions, and focusing on the road keeps you and others safe. ← Back to Resources