Media advisory: Distracted-driving expert available to discuss role in acclaimed new book


Mon, 09/22/2014

author

Brendan M. Lynch

LAWRENCE — University of Kansas researcher Paul Atchley is a major source for the forthcoming book by Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Matt Richtel, “A Deadly Wandering: A Tale of Tragedy and Redemption in the Age of Attention.”

Atchley, a professor of psychology, is a top national expert on how dual tasking, such as texting while driving, alters people’s interactions with the world. He also researches why people choose to dual-task despite the danger.

Richtel drew on extensive interviews with Atchley conducted over the last two years while working on the book. He weaves Atchley’s expertise with the story of a college student who killed two rocket scientists while texting behind the wheel — but then went on to find redemption as a leading campaigner against texting while driving. “A Deadly Wandering” is set for a Sept. 23 release.

"This book is an engaging work that will help the public understand how their brain works and why the digital world can place us at risk,” Atchley said. “It was an honor to work with Mr. Richtel to help promote an understanding that will hopefully prevent distracted driving tragedies and keep the ones we love safe. Discussing the work that we have done to contribute in some small way to understanding our brain in the digital world helped me think even more deeply about this very important issue and what work remains to be done."

To schedule an interview, contact Brendan M. Lynch at 785-864-8855 or blynch@ku.edu.

Mon, 09/22/2014

author

Brendan M. Lynch

Media Contacts

Brendan M. Lynch

KU News Service

785-864-8855