Using Cell Phones While Driving - Essay Example

?Using Cell Phones While Driving Mobile phones have been with us for quite awhile, however it wasn’t until the 1990s that third generation cell phones with roaming networks made it possible for us to talk and drive. It was at about this same time that motor vehicle accidents began to increase at an alarming rate. More than 200 deaths a year were attributed to cell phones, with at least half a million annually attributable accidents with injuries. While cell phone companies dispute the claim that cell phones are not the cause of accidents, people who don’t pay attention to road conditions while they are driving are at fault, the statistics just don’t bear that out. (Car-Accidents.com, 2011) Distracted driving has produced 5,474 deaths in 2009, with nearly half a million in injuries. These are the latest statistics from the national department of motor vehicles. The highest percentage of accidents involving drivers on cell phone conversations and texting while driving was from southern states, at 6 %, while the least percentage was from the northeast, at 4%. Of the fatalities, 995 accidents were witness reported that cell phones were a factor; with 24,000 of the injured statistics reporting the same thing. The age group with the highest distraction was the under age 20 group; approximately 16% of those drivers were distracted while driving in fatal crashes. Although statistics report that the 30-39 year old group had the highest actual cell phone use during fatal accidents, at 18%. Vehicles such as light trucks and motorcycles each had 12% distracted drivers at the time of their accidents. (Edgar Snyder & Associates, 2011) Driver attention is affected by cell phone usage. In a 2002 study done by Harvard Center for Risk Analysis, empirical evidence supports that young adults using cell phones while driving are comparable in attention span to sleepy senior citizens over 70. Their reaction time to brake lights, as well as their reacceleration time was a major cause of traffic congestion and snarls. The attention spans were compared as well with drunken drivers having blood alcohol levels of 0.08; this was in the drivers with hands free sets. The distraction of conversation prevents them from processing what they see. Their driving impairment involved whole seconds of time, not just fractions of seconds; therefore causing them to precede several car lengths before stopping. The slightly older group, 18-25, had less difficulty; they were compared to adults 65-74. Driving distractions such as answering a call had greater affect when drivers were changing lanes or exiting a freeway. This study postulates that speech recognition systems, email, and wireless internet could greatly increase the danger. (Brit, 2005) According to a 2006, Harris Interactive online survey, seniors were the least likely to talk on a cell phone and drive; only 48%. The group next least likely to follow this practice is the boomers, age 42 – 60, at 76%. Generation Xers, at ages 30-41 are next in line at 79%, with the youngest adults, ages 18-29, at the greatest risk of 86%. More than half admit that it is a dangerous practice; however it continues to make an impact on vehicle accidents annually. There are states that prohibit hand held cell phones, yet only 55% admit to using a hands free device; the remaining 45% continue to talk on a hand held device. Driver inattentiveness has been blamed for the leading cause in traffic fatalities involving teens; cell phone use and having other passengers in the vehicle are the highest contributing factors. Traffic fatalities are also the leading cause of death for teens. (O’Brien, nd) (Ianelli, 2005) There are eight states that prohibit all drivers from using hand-held cell phones; California, Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Washington, Washington D. C., and the Virgin Islands. In all of these states except for Maryland drivers can be stopped and ticketed for that violation alone. There are no states which ban cell phone use entirely; however some states ban certain categories of drivers from the practice. Washington, D. C. and 29 other states ban cell phone use for new drivers. School bus drivers in Washington D. C. and 19 other states are also banned from using cell phones while passengers are present. Text messaging is also banned in a similar manner. As of 2010, text messaging while driving was banned in 30 states and the protectorate of Guam; 11 of those states were new additions in 2010. Of those 30 states and Guam, 26 are primary citation laws while 4 are not. This restriction also applies to 9 states for newly licensed drivers and 3 states require school bus drivers to comply. Most states also have laws prohibiting any form of distracted driving; however Florida, Louisiana, Kentucky, Mississippi, Oklahoma, and Nevada have laws which prohibit the enforcement of distracted driving laws. Some safety groups are also lobbying for cell free zones along major highways, interstates, and certain urban areas. (Madden, 2009) (Governors Highway Safety Association, 2011) There is some controversy, especially by cell phone companies that the use of cell phones in vehicles is entirely safe and should not be prohibited. The reasons stated do not include active driving while talking or texting, however. The main reasons given for this include the safety factor of having available phone service in case of emergency or being stranded, threatened, or disabled, therefore cell free zones are not the answer. The peace of mind in having instant communication makes for safer drivers. (I-Car Gold Class, 2009) There are many companies offering safety information with how to use cell phones safely while driving. Although it is the most widely recommended practice that a driver pull over to the side of the road as soon as is safely permissible, it is still possible to use a cell phone for emergencies if one cannot exit traffic. First of all, it is crucial that one be very familiar with the features of the phone; the instruction manual has many tips as well as important information for maximum efficiency in using the particular phone. This will prevent the need to take attention off the road and road conditions while attempting to use the phone while driving. Next, if at all possible, use one of the ergonomically designed hands-free devices which allow the driver to keep both hands on the wheel while still receiving calls. If that isn’t possible, then place the cell phone nearby so that reaching to get it isn’t necessary. If traffic is heavy and requires full concentration, do not attempt to answer the incoming call; let the voice mail get it, or redial the number later when possible. If the device becomes dislocated or slips under the seat, do not attempt to retrieve it while driving; pull over as soon as is safely possible to look for it. Be careful not to obstruct vehicle safety devices such as air bags, however also be aware that cell phones may become projectiles during crashes. Third, keep conversations to a bare minimum; if traffic or weather conditions are hazardous, tell the caller road conditions don’t allow for conversation and they will be contacted later when it is safe. Do not have distracting or emotionally heated conversations while driving. Fourth, do not attempt to look up numbers or take notes while driving; pull over when safe to do so and perform this activity. Fifth, try to make all phone calls when stopped, such as at traffic lights, as opposed to while actively in motion. Last of all, use the cell phone for emergencies, helping others, and calling for roadside assistance. Cell phones do not actually cause traffic accidents, injuries, and deaths; it is the people who misuse them hich create this tragic effect for themselves and others. (Smart Motorist.com, nd) (I-Car Gold Class, 2009) (Roseberry, nd.) References Brit, Robert R. Drivers on Cell Phones Kill Thousands and Snarl Traffic. LiveScience.com. February 1, 2005. Web. April 22, 2011. http://www.livescience.com/121-drivers-cell-phones-kill-thousands-snarl-traffic.html Car Accidents.com. Cell Phone Accidents Pictures and Stories. Car-Accidents.com. 2011. Web. April 22, 2011. http://www.car-accidents.com/cell_phone_car_accidents.html Edgar Synder and Associates. Car Accidents Cell Phone Statistics. EdgarSnyder.com 2011. Web. April 22, 2011. http://www.edgarsnyder.com/car-accident/cell-phone/statistics.html Governors Highway Safety Association. Cell Phone and Texting Laws. Ghsa.com. 2011. Web. April 22, 2011. http://www.ghsa.org/html/stateinfo/laws/cellphone_laws.html Ianelli, Vincent, M.D. Teens, Cell Phones, and Driving. Pediatrics. About.com. September 25, 2005. Web. April 22, 2011. http://pediatrics.about.com/od/cellphonesandkids/a/05_cell_driving.htm I-Car Gold Class. Safe Cell Phone Use. I-CarGoldClass.com. 2009. Web. April 22, 2011. http://www.goldclass.com/html/safety/safe_cell_phone.shtml Madden, Mary. Teens and Distracted Driving. Pew Research Center. November 16, 2009. Web. April 22, 2011. http://pewresearch.org/pubs/1411/teens-distracted-driving-texting-cellphone-use O’Brien, Sharon. Seniors and Boomers Least Likely to Combine Cell Phones and Driving. Senior Living About.com. nd. Web. April 22, 2011. http://seniorliving.about.com/od/improvepersonalsafety/a/cell_phone_driv.htm Roseberry, Catherine. Top 6 Ways to Use Your Cell Phone Safely and Wisely. Mobile Office About.com. nd. Web April 22, 2011. http://mobileoffice.about.com/od/phonesformobileworkers/tp/cellphoneuse.htm Smart Motorist.com. Cell Phones and Driving, A Prescription for Disaster. Smart Motorist.com. nd. Web. April 22, 2011. http://www.smartmotorist.com/traffic-and-safety-guideline/cell-phones-and-driving-a-prescription-for-disaster.html Read More