We’ve all seen it. Someone walking down the street while talking or texting on their cell phone totally oblivious to their surroundings. Or how about those you’ve seen talking on the phone while driving even though it is illegal in many places? Both of these situations are dangerous. Then there are those that talk or text in movie theaters, restaurants, or other public places with little regard for others. Have you ever invited a guest to your home with which you could not carry on a conversation because their attention was constantly drawn to their phone? We’ll put these situations in the annoying category. It seems it has even become commonplace for workers to be on their phone while they are doing their job. Lack of focus leads to a poor output at best. Cell phones are certainly a fixture in today’s world. Seems everyone has one; and wants to be connected to everyone and everything they know all the time. This can be a problem when it affects safety, is discourteous to others, or keeps an employee from doing their best.
USA Today reported in September 2013 that a recent study conducted by researchers connected to Ohio State University showed that pedestrian cell phone-related injuries more than doubled since 2005. The study found that in 2010, 1,500 pedestrians were treated in emergency rooms for cell-phone related incidents, as opposed to a mere 559 in 2004. The age group most at risk for cell-phone related injuries while walking is adults under 30 and chiefly those between the ages of 16 and 25, whose injuries ranged from falling off walkways or bridges to walking in front of moving traffic. Distracted walking can also lead to theft of your phone. Displaying your phone is like displaying cash to a thief. Using your phone while walking and not paying attention to your surroundings makes you vulnerable and your phone an easy pick. This type theft is a current trend; and thieves are on the lookout for anyone presenting an easy target.
It’s easy to get distracted while driving. Eating lunch, screaming kids in the back seat, an argument with your spouse, or a conversation with a friend is enough to disrupt your concentration. Some even attempt to put on their makeup while driving. None of these are good ideas while behind the wheel of a car; and should be avoided if at all possible. Talking or texting on a cell phone can ALWAYS be avoided. There is a reason that many states ban talking/texting while driving. If you are not 100% focused on your driving, your car potentially becomes a lethal weapon. Talking on the phone while driving causes your brain to focus on the conversation rather than letting you actually “see” the road. Texting draws your eyes away from the road more often and for longer periods of time. Both drastically increase the likelihood of a crash.
You worked hard all week; and just want to go out for a nice relaxing dinner. You get to your favorite restaurant, get seated at a lovely table, and order a delicious meal. Just when your food arrives a woman at the table next to you picks up her phone and makes a call. She talks loudly throughout your entire dinner. So much for relaxing. You shake it off; and head to the movie theater. You get your ticket, buy a box of Junior Mints, and locate a great seat. Just as the movie starts the cell phone of the guy behind you rings. He answers with a whisper; and you hope that since he was conscientious enough to whisper that the call will be short or better yet, that he will leave the theater. Neither happens; and he whispers on the call for way too long causing you to want to pull your hair out. Your guests arrive at your dinner party; and are seated at the stunning table you have set. You serve the delectable dishes that you meticulously prepared. All is well until a cell phone rings; and one of your guests answers a call. Seeing this, another guest pulls out their phone and sends a text message. Then another decides it must be a good time to check email. This type behavior has become very common. Unfortunately, it seems that all too often these days consideration for others goes out the window when a cell phone is involved.
We’ve noticed another disturbing trend with regard to cell phone usage. Our garbage man has passed us by when he was on the phone. Our mail carrier talks on her phone constantly. We get mail that does not belong to us; and our neighbors get our mail much too often. The clerk at the supermarket takes calls while checking us out. More and more we have encountered workers on their cell phones while on the job. It seems that since they have their phone at their fingertips all the time that they feel it is acceptable to let themselves spend work time on personal phone calls. Do employers feel the same? Doubtful! The fact is that focusing on the task at hand produces a better result. Most employers expect the best from their employees; and see those who make personal calls on company time as less than desirable.
Cell phones are certainly a convenience; and these days provide us with the ability to do much more than make a phone call. In emergency situations they are invaluable. In the situations discussed above, they can be annoying or potentially dangerous. If you are in a public place, be courteous of others. If you have to make/take a call, step outside until you are done. If you are a guest in someone’s home, keep your cell phone put away. If it’s the babysitter and you must take the call, excuse yourself and keep it brief. If you’re walking, keep your phone out of sight. If you must use it, it’s a good idea to stop. Always, be aware of your surroundings. If you are behind the wheel of a car, pull over to a safe place before talking or texting on your phone. If you are at work, get off the phone and do your job. Save the phone calls/texts for break time. Simply, use some good old fashioned common sense with regard to your phone. Be safe – be considerate– be smart!
