Julie Gargotta reports on Philadelphia’s ban on hand-held cell phones while driving, and what the ban means for Philadelphians.
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Distracted… and Behind the Wheel
Cell Phones and Driving
With the prevalence of cell phones in today’s society, many people all around the world are tuning into conversations on their mobiles and tuning out of what is around them. This phenomenon is especially dangerous when conversation continues behind the wheel of a car. Recent studies show that using cell phones while driving is dangerous and has been the cause of many fatal accidents. According to research by The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in 2008 nearly 6,000 people died in crashes caused by distracted drivers. Although this number accounts for all distractions in the car, such as smoking or drinking, safety officials say cell phones play a big part in the problem, especially with relation to younger, less experienced drivers.
A Call-To-Action
To address the problem on a national stage, the U.S. Department of Transportation held a Distracted Driving Summit in late September 2009. U.S. Transportation Secretary, Ray LaHood, opened the event with a poignant call-to-action: A challenge to stop distracted driving in the United States. Over 250 elected officials, safety experts and police representatives from around the country attended the two-day event, held in Washington, D.C. The varied group discussed the dangers of driving while distracted and efforts to change American’s views on safe driving. Most specifically, the summit focused upon distractions caused by cell phone use in the car.
NHTSA Findings, Polls
After years of research, the NHTSA released their findings at the Distracted Driving Summit. According to officials, the greatest proportion of distracted drivers is under the age of 20, those of which were involved in 16 percent of all fatal crashes. NHTSA data also shows that on a daily basis in 2008, 800,000 drivers using hand-held phones hit the road. These statistics paint the picture of a dangerous road filled with careless, and often inexperienced, drivers. The NHTSA also conducted various polls about distracted driving, prompting forum participants to share their views. In a poll regarding in-vehicle technologies, seventy-five percent of people said they felt it is never safe to talk on a cell phone while driving. Additionally, nearly the same percentage of people felt that states or local governments should enact laws to restrict dangerous cell phone use behind the wheel.
The Bigger Picture: Driving While Distracted
Multimedia slideshow exposing the additional dangers behind the wheel.
Great job, Gargotta!