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Why You Shouldn't Conduct an Interview While Driving

Welcome to our blog! Today, we're diving into a topic that might seem like common sense, but it's worth reiterating why conducting an interview while driving is a bad idea. In an age where multitasking is often celebrated, there are certain situations where it's not just ill-advised, but downright dangerous. Let's explore why trying to conduct an interview while behind the wheel is a risk not worth taking.


1. Safety


First The most obvious reason not to conduct an interview while driving is safety. Driving requires your full attention, and any distraction, whether it's a phone call, text message, or interview, can significantly increase the risk of an accident. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), distracted driving claimed 3,142 lives in 2019 alone. Engaging in an interview while driving only adds to this risk.


2. Focus and Concentration


Interviews require focus and concentration, both from the interviewer and the interviewee. Attempting to conduct an interview while navigating traffic, changing lanes, or dealing with unexpected road conditions can compromise this focus. It's challenging enough to maintain a meaningful conversation in a quiet, controlled environment—adding the chaos of driving into the mix is a recipe for a disjointed and unproductive interview.


3. Legal and Ethical Concerns


In many places, conducting an interview while driving may also have legal implications. Laws regarding distracted driving vary, but in numerous jurisdictions, using a phone or engaging in activities that take your attention away from the road can result in fines or penalties. Even if it's not explicitly prohibited, there are ethical considerations. Is it fair to the interviewee to conduct an interview when your attention is divided? Is it respectful of their time and the importance of the conversation?


4. Quality of the Interview


Even if safety and legal concerns are set aside, the quality of the interview itself is likely to suffer. Background noise, interruptions, and the need to focus on driving can all detract from the depth and insightfulness of the conversation. Both parties may feel rushed or unable to delve into topics as deeply as they would in a more controlled setting.This can impact the overall value of the interview for both the interviewer and the audience. Additionally, the call might drop or experience dead zones, further disrupting the flow of the interview. This can impact the overall value of the interview for both the interviewer and the audience.


5. Professionalism


Lastly, conducting an interview while driving can reflect poorly on your professionalism. It sends a message that your attention to detail and commitment to safety may be lacking. In professional settings, whether it's for a media outlet, a podcast, or any other platform, maintaining a high standard of conduct is crucial for credibility and trust.


Person driving a car
Driver

Conclusion


While it might be tempting to try to squeeze in an interview during a commute or a road trip, the risks and drawbacks far outweigh any potential benefits. Safety, focus, legal considerations, interview quality, and professionalism all suffer when interviews are conducted while driving. It's always best to prioritize safety and conduct interviews in a controlled, distraction-free environment. Your interviewees, your audience, and your own well-being will thank you for it.


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