Study raises questions over driver cellphone safety
A new study shows bans on handheld phone use among drivers make no notable difference in accident rates. But that’s not necessarily proof that the practice is safe.
The Highway Loss Data Institute, an insurance industry body, compared the levels of crashes in states both with and without a ban on using handheld phones while driving and found they were much the same. That’s caused confusion given previous studies show that activity does increase crash rates, and that it does appear the bans have reduced use.
One possible explanation is that drivers who were using handheld phones have simply switched to hands-free options. That would be concerning as it would give more weight to the theory that it’s the distraction from a conversation (particularly given that the other party can’t see the driver’s situation) that causes crashes rather than taking a hand off the wheel.
The study comes in the same week as the Transportation department introduced new rules banning bus and truck drivers across the country from sending text messages while driving.
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January 29th, 2010
This probably should also be seen in the light of the fact that the ban is not really enforced. Where I live the cops are as bad using their cellphones while driving as the rest, so no incentive there.
Considering that most “close calls” I see are involving at least one party yapping on the cellphone I have no other explanation.
January 30th, 2010
Don’t know anything about safety, but that chick in the picture is a cutie!
February 1st, 2010
“That would be concerning as it would give more weight to the theory that it’s the distraction from a conversation (particularly given that the other party can’t see the driver’s situation) that causes crashes rather than taking a hand off the wheel.”
Why would that be “concerning”? It’s no “theory”, it’s a plain and simple truth that you need to PAY ATTENTION when you are behind the wheel of a 1 to 2+ ton moving piece of steel! You flaming idiots that feel it is some god given RIGHT of yours to do whatever the hell you want to do while also driving a automobile have no business behind the wheel in the first place.
It has nothing to do with cell phones or text messaging or any of the latest distractions. Failing to pay full time and attention to the task at hand (driving) has killed millions, when are we going to recognize this across the board? And for god’s sake when are car manufacturer’s going to recognize they are contributing to the deaths of millions by the distractions they build in to every car they manufacture?
August 2nd, 2011
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