The Dangers of Driving Distracted

Did you know that CTIA, The Wireless Association, reported that on average an estimated 110,000,000,000 text messages were sent per month in the year 2008? With a number this high, we have to consider the amount of those texts that were sent while operating a motor vehicle. Studies done by the New England Journal of Medicine as well as studies done by The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety showed that people who use their cell phone while driving are four times more likely to be involved in an automobile accident. The National Safety Council even reports that, “distractions are the leading cause for motor vehicle crashes and the number one distraction is cell phones.” Even with statistics like this, the majority of drivers continue to use their cell phones while in the car. In fact, a Nationwide Insurance poll showed that 81% of drivers admit to talking on their cell phones while on the road. A common misconception held by some people is that talking on the cell phone while driving is not as distracting as being under the influence of alcohol while driving; which if there is a child in the car, is a felony in some states. Focus Driven reports that a recent study showed that cell phone users were unable to react as fast to changing driving conditions as legally intoxicated drivers with a BAC level of .08. Another common misconception is that it is safe to drive and use a cell phone as long as you are using a hands-free device. Studies at the University of Utah recently showed that there is no difference in the amount of distraction caused by using a handheld device or using a hands-free device.

Distracted driving is dangerous to everyone, not only are you endangering your own life and the life of others in your car, but you are also jeopardizing the safety of other drivers on the road. Please help us make our roads a safer place by staying off your cell phone.