How videoconferences are adding to the nation’s distracted driving problem

Over the past year or so, millions of Americans shifted to remote work activity. That shift hasn’t come without a price, however, as people struggle to adapt to the challenges of their situations.

The topic of “Zoom fatigue” has been featured often in the news lately. It references the fatigue people feel when they have to spend a lot of time communicating with co-workers and clients through videoconferences.

Now, however, research indicates that Zoom fatigue can last well after the camera clicks off, and it can actually lead to “Zoom zombies” out there on the road.

Videoconferences are creating dazed drivers

Distracted driving is a well-known problem in New Mexico and nationwide, but most people associate that problem with active distractions — things that are actually in or around a vehicle while someone is trying to drive. Major driving distractions include cellphones and other electronic devices, coffee and food, lost items that have rolled beneath the seat, talkative passengers, and a host of other preoccupations.

However, it turns out that the mental exertion required when navigating a videoconference actually creates a sort of “overload” on the mental faculties of the people involved. More than half of adult drivers — 54% — indicate that they have trouble concentrating on the road following a videoconference.

The negative effects get worse when younger drivers are involved. About 65% of drivers who are part of Gen Z report significant problems regaining their concentration and focus while driving after videoconferencing with clients or colleagues. Millennials are 61% likely to experience the same issues. By comparison, those in Gen X are only about 48% likely to report post-conference concentration problems on the road.

What this says about distracted driving

This data just shows that distractions don’t have to be obvious — or even present — to interfere with a driver’s abilities. That doesn’t bode well for a lot of hapless car accident victims out there.

If you’ve been involved in a crash with a distracted or “zoned-out” driver, you have every right to pursue compensation for your losses. An attorney can help you learn more a out the claims process.