Re: [Harp-L] Playing While Driving

[JohnnieHarp <johnnieharp@xxxxxxxxx>]

Interesting topic given the current legislative initiatives on
cellphone use while driving.

Would be interesting to do an objective review of the research and see
how valid the supposed negative effects on driving ability actually
are with cellphone use. Especially so, given the number of things
regular commuters do while driving. Perhaps, frequent cellphone users
develop skills/brain functions much like the other skills that one
acquires while learning to drive? Can't be worse than dealing with a
car full of noisy kids.

As Smo Joe alludes to, it may be that those who talk on cellphones
while driving would just find something else potentially distracting,
to do in its place. I've heard of people reading and knitting to pass
the time while driving on long, lonely trips. Now THESE seem
distracting to me!

When I'm reading or surfing online, I often have a tune repeatedly
playing in the background that I play along with. Seem to be able to
read and play simultaneously reasonably effectively. Actually works
nicely as it allows the subconscious to take over during practise.
Surprising the interesting iterations that have occurred if I record
then review a practise/reading session. Has been an excellent way to
learn a tune and get my timing down, without getting bored from the
repitition.

I suspect that playing a diatonic, if done judiciously, may have
little or no effect on driving performance. However, if an accident
does occur, even if not at fault, one may have little chance in
convincing others that harmonica playing was not a contributing
factor.

I have heard, through the grapevine, that the cause of Tiger Wood's
driving mishap the other night, was his excitement over finally
achieving his first overblow ...