mcwill
Psychology 101
Professor Palmer-Julme
ASSIGNMENT #1
As technology advance in today's society, so is the will to purchase and use them. Although
using certain devices in some situations can be harmful, the excitement of a new device can
distract a person from reality. Distractions lead to physical and mental injuries and can possibly
handicap you for the rest of your life. In an article title, Dangerous Distractions by Amy
Novotney, psychologist did intense research on how modern day technology such as hand held
devices, can be a "Dangerous Distraction" while being used in a car.
Driving using cell phones is a safety hazard. Some countries make driving with cell phones
legal. In fact, Canada which is up north from us, legalized the use of cell phones while driving.
Statistics show that Canada has an average of 160,000 road accidents per year which
estimates to 2,800 deaths per year. In the case of Christy Kirkwood, and avid cyclist, a talking
driver on his cell phone knocked her off her bicycle which led to her death. Impared and
distracted as he was, "the driver thought he'd hit a deer". (Pg.1). A 2007 study in Accident
Analysis and Prevention showed that female pedestrians talking on the phone are less likely to
look out for traffic before they cross the street. (Pg. 2). This proves to us that cell phones
aren't just harmful in cars, but also harmful while being used as a pedestrian or bystander.
Multitasking is a phrase commonly used for people who are doing more than one thing at a
time. Similar to that of a distraction, Multitasking causes the brain not to be fully
Professor Palmer-Julme
ASSIGNMENT #1
As technology advance in today's society, so is the will to purchase and use them. Although
using certain devices in some situations can be harmful, the excitement of a new device can
distract a person from reality. Distractions lead to physical and mental injuries and can possibly
handicap you for the rest of your life. In an article title, Dangerous Distractions by Amy
Novotney, psychologist did intense research on how modern day technology such as hand held
devices, can be a "Dangerous Distraction" while being used in a car.
Driving using cell phones is a safety hazard. Some countries make driving with cell phones
legal. In fact, Canada which is up north from us, legalized the use of cell phones while driving.
Statistics show that Canada has an average of 160,000 road accidents per year which
estimates to 2,800 deaths per year. In the case of Christy Kirkwood, and avid cyclist, a talking
driver on his cell phone knocked her off her bicycle which led to her death. Impared and
distracted as he was, "the driver thought he'd hit a deer". (Pg.1). A 2007 study in Accident
Analysis and Prevention showed that female pedestrians talking on the phone are less likely to
look out for traffic before they cross the street. (Pg. 2). This proves to us that cell phones
aren't just harmful in cars, but also harmful while being used as a pedestrian or bystander.
Multitasking is a phrase commonly used for people who are doing more than one thing at a
time. Similar to that of a distraction, Multitasking causes the brain not to be fully