Rx: Don't mix driving with talking!

KOLKATA: The laws might prohibit it. But as they say, every law has a pitfall. So, even though talking on a mobile phone is prohibited while driving, it is not uncommon to find people using headsets, steering wheel speakers or other hands-free devices to remain connected. The common notion is such gadgets are a safer alternative than using the phone itself and a good way to escape the bindings of law.

Research though suggests otherwise. Multitasking while driving may exceed the brain's capacity to process multiple information and thereby, affect attention level. For instance, even a simple form of multitasking like talking to someone while driving can be hazardous.

Medicos feel it's not a case of limited hands ��� simultaneously holding a phone and driving. "The impact on the brain while using the phone or handsfree is all the same," says a senior consultant (neurology) at New Delhi���s Sir Ganga Ram Hospital Manvir Bhatia. "It severely impairs the person's ability to take a decision or concentrate while driving. Such multitasking while driving is quite harmful since it hinders the person's response time."

WORSE THAN DRUNKEN DRIVING

A study conducted by the University of Utah, US, found that drivers, while talking on their mobile phones, exhibited a sluggish behaviour and slower reaction as compared to drivers on alcohol who exhibited more aggressive driving and frequent braking. "The driver's concentration gets distracted. The vehicular movement then gets haywire and people loose their control on the wheels," Ms Bhatia added.

IT'S JUST NOT DRIVING

Even using a MP3 player or mobile phone while walking or crossing the road can be equally risky. "All these may not be multitasking to a lay person, but creates immense pressure on the brain's working memory," says senior neurologist at Kolkata's Apollo Gleneagles Hospital Amitabh Ghosh. "The person then gets error prone and what's more, multitasking creates stress which further fatigues the brain."

However, docs suggest with time the brain gets accustomed to such multitasking activities. "The multitasking activity then becomes like automatic behaviour and the problem gets reduced, but then it is always advisable not to undertake multitasking while on the roads," says Mr Ghosh. Why give your mind another reason to get fatigued in such already stressful times and lifestyle?