Since smartphones came out in the late '90s we've developed a societal addiction to up-to-the-second sports news, entertainment and silly cat videos. The phone comes out of the pocket at every pause in the day. It dominates our lives.
In the restaurant, in the break room, even in the bathroom, it's our constant companion, superseding conversation or a meaningful connection with the world around us. A holiday is a good opportunity to unplug for a bit.
I'm more guilty than most. I scan the internet almost constantly for updates and developments. It's partly my job and partly an endorphin-fed addiction.
But one place the compulsion should stop is behind the wheel of a car.
We've all done it. A text comes in. A chime dings. A news alert or a picture captures our attention. The index finger hovers over the screen, just right there on the hands-free device.
If we take our eyes off the road for just five seconds, the car we're driving travels a football field and a half, blind, unsteered.
It's so easy to do, that momentary pause from the monotony of driving for a compulsive activity we find enjoyable, rewarding, informative. But it's utterly foolish.
Particularly in holiday driving when some of the other drivers on the road have had a few beers, they're traveling unaccustomed long distances at high speeds on crowded roads, the distraction of the phone is one element too many.
There's really no such thing as mutlitasking. Anytime we divide our attention our focus lessens. Freeway driving in holiday traffic demands a two-hour series of split-second decisions. The phone introduces one additional variable that doesn't have to be there.
If you use GPS, set it right after you buckle the seat belt and leave it. If it needs adjustment, rely on a copilot.
Otherwise, leave the phone alone for the time you're behind the wheel. We need you at Autzen Stadium in 56 days.
8 More Saturdays until Duck Football 🤙
— Barstool Ducks (@BarstoolDucks) July 5, 2025
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