2. I’m a Terrier mix. I live with the Ohlsen’s

3. I love to ride in the car with my Mom!

4. When I ride in the car, she often talks on the phone, texts, eats or puts on make-up.

6. I think she can become distracted and get in a wreck!

7. What if a SQUIRREL ran in front of the car?

8. THAT’S NO WAY TO TREAT YOUR FAVORITE FURRY BOY!

9. Let’s show her that distractions reduce reaction time! I need your help!

10. The Effect of Distraction on Reaction Time in Teenagers A University of Wisconsin study in 2012 relates that the American Automobile Association (AAA) of America found use of cell phones during driving increases the risk for a crash by four fold. (Anderson, Bierman, Franko and Zelko, 2012) In addition, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s 2009 survey identified 5474 deaths and 448,000 injuries caused by distracted drivers. Most would assume the distractions are directly related to cell phone use while operating the automobile and that the driver’s reaction time is somehow compromised. Is the cell phone the lone culprit in these tragic events? Could it be that other forms of distraction might also affect reaction time to the point where a driver cannot safely operate his or her car? This study aims to determine if distractions really do cause a decrease in reaction time. After all, most teenagers believe they can “handle it” and are therefore immune to distraction. Your task is to devise an investigation that tests the effect of reaction time on the individual. This is what I thought you could do to help me!

11. Remember the rules for making a good hypothesis and experimental design!

12. OK, guys! Get to work. Don’t let me down. Keeping the Ohlsens safe is such tiring work!

13. Indiana Standards (2010): Process Standards: 11-12.RS.1 11-12.WS.2 11-12.WS.5 11-12.WS.7 11-12.WS.10 Content Standards : AP 6.8 AP 6.10