Letter of the Day (March 8): Driving while talking

Picture yourself watching the big game, at a crucial moment, and the phone rings …

March 8, 2014 at 12:07AM
Tim Bedison/Fort Worth Star-Telegram/MCT
Tim Bedison/Fort Worth Star-Telegram/MCT (The Minnesota Star Tribune)

The best example of how talking on the telephone uses a significant portion of the brain is how it impairs my ability to multi-task while watching the television.

Most of us have experienced watching the closing moments of a highly contested sporting event on television and suddenly receiving that dreaded telephone call. I find it nearly impossible to fully experience what is occurring in the sporting event while talking on the telephone. It's just too much of a distraction, and I usually request to return the call.

There's no question that talking on the phone while driving distracts from my ability to concentrate on the road.

Bruce Burton, Bloomington
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