The US Department of Transportation (DOT) has launched a campaign to help combat "Distracted Driving." DOT is encouraging Law Enforcement, community groups, schools, and everyone to become involved and spread the word of the dangers associated with distracted driving
"Distracted Driving" is any non-driving activity a person engages in that has the potential to distract him or her from the primary task of driving and increase the risk of crashing. Using a cell phone without a "hands-free" device and texting are two of the most common examples of distracted driving. However, grooming, changing your radio station or MP3 player, manipulating a GPS device, reading, eating are all other example of common activity that drivers engage in, placing themselves and others in harms way.
California law prohibits use of a cell phone while driving without using a "hands-free" device. There are a few exceptions including in case of an emergency, for emergency service personnel, and for certain commercial purposes. Texting is also prohibited in California. California Vehicle Code sections 23123-23124 cover these violations.
Research on distracted driving reveals some surprising facts:
10% of drivers of all ages under the age of 20 involved in fatal crashes were reported as distracted at the time of the crash. This age group has the largest proportion of drivers who were distracted.
Drivers in their 20s make up 27 percent of the distracted drivers in fatal crashes. (NHTSA)
At any given daylight moment across America, approximately 660,000 drivers are using cell phones or manipulating electronic devices while driving, a number that has held steady since 2010. (NOPUS)
Five seconds is the average time your eyes are off the road while texting. When traveling at 55mph, that's enough time to cover the length of a football field blindfolded. (2009, VTTI)
Headset cell phone use is not substantially safer than hand-held use. (VTTI)
Please join the campaign and help spread the word, "Put It Down!"
No comments:
Post a Comment