and Driving Chatting: Good or Bad?
By Chris Brock CBIS 3213
Back in time...
The first mobile phones were bulky and impractical. Only about 4 million people used mobile phones in 1990.
Today...
According to CTIA studies, almost 200 million Americans are regular users of cellular phones as of October 2005. Cell phones today are sleek and convenient in basically any situation.
Increased Reliance
At any given time, about 8% of drivers on the road are using a cell phone according to a 2004 NHTSA study.
An AEI-Brookings Joint Center for Regulatory Studies report says that less than 1% of accidents are caused by drivers using cell phones at the time of the accident.
Studies Against Using Phones While Driving
Some studies result in negative data about driving and chatting at the same time. Two main conclusions against use while driving:
1)Driver's eyes are diverted from the road. 2)Driver's attention is divided between driving and conversation.
These are faulty points because they negate to mention all other things that distract drivers.
Hands-Free Devices
Experts have stated that the use of handsfree devices may increase distraction. Studies have shown that users of handsfree phones are less likely to recall billboards, pedestrians, and other roadside features. Hands-free units are hardly any different than wearing headphones while driving and provide a false sense of ease.
Bluetooth Technologies
The introduction of Bluetooth technology in 1999 has helped deter some of the distractions of normal cell-phone use. Some vehicles equipped with the technology will automatically mute the radio during calls, and it basically simulates talking to a passenger.
Worldwide Opinions
Over 40 countries around the world have banned all or partial use of phones while driving. Some countries give prison sentences to people violating the bans on multiple occasions. Fines can reach upwards of US $1,000. Some countries will drop the insurance coverage from people who violate the ban law.
American Debate
Only New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Washington D.C. have imposed full bans in the United States. Some other states enforce partial bans on bus drivers, teenagers, etc. State representatives and other members of Congress are always debating the issue and any rulings would override local laws that already are established.
Ineffectiveness of Bans
Most people agree that outright bans on hand-held phones are ineffective and do not matter because there are other things more distracting to drivers than just cell phones. Law enforcement officers in all 50 states have the ability to issue citations for inattentive driving, making any cell phone ban useless.
More Problems Than Just Phones
In an NHTSA report, cell phones rank 8th out of the top 9 distractions that drivers mentioned. Activities such as reaching for an item, adjusting radio controls, adjusting climate controls, talking with passengers, observing outside objects, grooming, eating, drinking, and other common activities all distract drivers more than using a cell phone.
Blaming Technology
Many groups that study this debate love to target new technologies and blame them for causing drivers to become inattentive. DVD players, complex stereo controls, navigation systems, in-car computers, etc. are all targeted because they seem like good scapegoats.
However, respected groups such as the National Safety Council and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration have published reports that still show drivers are hardly distracted by these things compared to things like surrounding traffic, changing a CD, and other everyday activities.
Other Factors
Excessive speeding, inattentive driving, and improper evasive action are the cause for 94% of all crashes. Environmental factors somehow come into play in 34% of crashes. Vehicular factors contribute to 13% of crashes.
Conclusion
Pretty much all of us talk on our phones while we're driving, and there's a really small chance that we've ever been in an accident because of it. Most intelligent people will make good decisions about when it is unnecessary to use a phone in the car and we can avoid the need for a law saying we can't.
References
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration: http://www.nhtsa.org Cellular Telecommunications & Internet Association: http://www.ctia.org AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety:
http://www.aaafoundation.org
AEI-Brookings Joint Center for Regulatory Studies: http://www.aei.brookings.org Insurance Information Institute: http://www.iii.org Cellular-News: http://www.cellular-news.com National Safety Council: http://www.nsc.org
The End