Weekly (but sometimes monthly or semi-annually) our punctual correspondent Cas Pedal sends us an important news article. We place this on our website with blind faith and without checking the facts.
“No,” was all Karel could type before the traffic light turned green. It was an answer to the question, “Is it bad if we give your cat a piece of chicken?” He actually wanted to type: “Take this message very seriously: Whatever you do, don’t give Poekie a piece of chicken. Once he’s tasted meat, he won’t stop. We’ve already buried Grandma, we can’t take this again.’
This recognizable example is just one of the many forms of miscommunication caused by distraction during Whatsapp. dr. Meinie Bellen, psychologist and behavioral expert, calls it a ‘worrying development’. She says that 69 percent of people are distracted by driving while using WhatsApp, especially now that we are working more in the office again.
‘People don’t seem to think about the consequences. Miscommunication arises and before you know it, you are not reading a message correctly or you are answering too curtly’, says Bellen. ‘Take your responsibility. Don’t let your car distract you and stop that thing. And if you do have to drive, send a funny gif “in advance to let us know you’re on your way.”
Fortunately, there is growing recognition for the growing problem. For example, the national government increased the fines for the offense this year. The fine for driving while using Whatsapp is currently 350 euros, excluding administration costs.
#Driving #biggest #distraction #Whatsapp #research #shows