Are You a Supertasker?
Supertasker; have you heard this word yet? I’ve only lately come across this newly “invented” conjecture. (I like conjectures, especially those of an “invented” nature… TrueManhood, TrueMan, TrueMen, etc!) I read about supertaskers in an online article. The context of the word stems from the arguments about the potential success that an individual has while using a cell phone while driving, but it can also be used to describe people who can successfully do two or more things at once.
The findings in the article were pretty incredible and I write about this topic today to encourage you to make sensible and safe decisions when it comes to your cell phone use while driving. Remember – as men, we are called to care for those around us in all we do. The research shows that most people have problems with reaction time to braking, following distance and memory details of what took place during phone calls. My encouragement stems from this finding, which held substantial evidence for the cause against driving and talking. Many men believe that they are indestructible. Many men believe that the “common finding” doesn’t apply to them, that they are somehow superior to the average Joe. In this case, the research shows that most of us (I’m assuming I’m in this category, too) simply lose driving proficiency while on the phone. Are you willing to risk the life of another human being, maybe even your girlfriend, wife or child, in order to take that call? It just doesn’t make sense to push it.
Now, I’ll admit, I talk on the phone while I drive. Where I think I’m different than most people (I’m NOT saying I’m a supertasker) is that I put driving first and the phone call second. I’m aware of what’s going on, checking my mirrors, using my turn signal and so on. I believe that I do a good job of successfully doing both the driving and the phone call. However, it begs the question: “Is the phone call worth it?” I realize that most of us are going to drive and talk. I get it. However, please allow me to urge you to set yourself up for success… use a hands-free device if you’re going to do it. Hands-free doesn’t prevent accidents, but at least you have two hands available. Pay attention to the road first, and if you must ask the person on the other line to repeat themselves, do it. Save a life today.
By the way, studies show that only 2.5% of the population are supertaskers. Most fighter pilots fall into the category of supertasker.
Man up!
