There was a time when “Don’t drink and drive” was the only caution drivers would be have to be wary about (aside from other road hazards) that they have to keep in mind, but times have changed and the New York Times wants to spread the dangers pertaining to texting while driving. Since there are more people who are able to text than to drink alcohol, texting whilst driving is now a more important message to get there as opposed to drinking under the influence. Texting, albeit quite easy, can become very difficult while behind the wheel and many would immediately assume that they are nimble enough to respond or make a text message while keeping their eyes on the road. There are those that can successfully do this feat, while others might not be so nimble after all.
Browser-Based Game by the New York Times Intends to Show How Driving Reaction Times are Affected While Texting Behind the Wheel
This browser game made by the New York Times has already been out for a few years but it is still worth revisiting. Furthermore, it still delivers a very powerful message to this day. Accidents pertaining to such an incidence, to which are some are even fatal, that has been caused by texting and driving has increased substantially as the years go by.
“New studies show that drivers overestimate their ability to multitask behind the wheel,” the New York Times reports. “This game measures how your reaction time is affected by external distractions.” Once you start the game, it is very simple as it is instructive down to the letter.
Players would have to control the car within the game while maneuvering on a multi-lane highway. Players would use their keyboards to switch to a lane as it will light up. Sounds easy, right? Here’s the catch – there is also a cellphone on the screen that wherein a text message will periodically pop up. The main goal of the game is for you to respond to the text message using the computer mouse while at the same time using the keyboard to try and successfully switch between lanes.
While this particular driving game by the New York Times has no graphics to write home about, it still brings plenty of challenges and it does contain a very powerful message. However, it is also known that auto-manufacturers, along with smartphone makers, know about this challenge and are thus finding ways to make sending or replying to a text message easier and safer while driving.