It comes as no surprise that automobile accidents are often the result of driver error. Driver inattention is a leading factor in crashes with cell phones and texting providing some of the most common distractions. In January, The Washington Post reported that 28% of accidents involve talking and texting on cell phones. Many drivers mistakenly believe that they can safely drive and text or talk at the same time, not realizing that their reaction time is typically substantially worse than that of a drunk driver. In a study conducted by Car and Driver Magazine, results showed the following reaction times for drivers on a straight road without any traffic, road signals, or pedestrians:
- Unimpaired driver: 0.54 seconds to brake
- Legally drunk (0.08 BAC): add 7’ extra distance traveled at 35 mph and 4’ at 70 mph
- Reading e-mail: add 45’ extra distance traveled at 35 mph and 36’ at 70 mph
- Sending a text message: add 41’ extra distance traveled at 35 mph and 70’ at 70 mph
In response, many state legislatures have enacted laws to ban cell phone use or texting while driving. However, these bans vary from state to state. Some distinguish handheld cell phone use or texting by all drivers from certain groups like teenagers and school bus drivers. States are passing texting bans for all drivers at a rapid pace. You can check the status of texting and handheld cell phone bans in your own state at the Governors Highway Safety Association website.
Even with bans in place, law enforcement will undoubtedly have a difficult time catching offenders. Drivers can text with their phones out of plain sight, making it difficult for police to see the act taking place. Despite the increased level of impairment, many drivers do not recognize texting and cell phone use while driving as dangerous and reckless activity. Whether or not your state specifically bans cell phone use or texting while driving, please keep your safety and the safety of others in mind the next time you feel the urge to check your e-mail or send a text from behind the wheel.
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One Comment
Erik Wood
Legislation has value in raising public awareness in forums like this one but it will be difficult to solely legislate our way out of this issue. I just read that 72% of teens text daily - many text more than 3000 times a month. New college students no longer have email addresses! They use texting and Facebook - even with their professors. This text and drive issue is in its infancy and its not going away.
I decided to do something about it after my three year old daughter was nearly run down right in front of me by a texting driver . Instead of a shackle that locks down phones and alienates the user (especially teens) I built a tool called OTTER that is a simple app for smartphones - low cost, no recurring fees. I think if we can empower the individual then change will come to our highways now and not just our laws.
Erik Wood, owner
OTTER LLC
www.OTTERapp.com
http://www.prlog.org/10871927.html
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