The 2008 survey results are staggering. New findings by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration show nearly 6,000 people died in crashes involving a distracted or inattentive driver and more than half a million people were injured. More than 800,000 vehicles were driven by someone using a hand-held cell phone on a daily basis.
In addition to cell phones, hand-held devices include iPods, video games, Blackberrys and GPS systems. Distracted driving occurs in all age groups and spans all modes of transportation including rail, trucks, cars and buses. With cell phones and texting the primary means of communication among the young, the worst offenders are the youngest, least experienced men and women under 20 years of age.
Many states have adopted laws banning texting while driving unless your car is in PARK. That includes sending, receiving and reading text messages. In some states the full use of hand-held devices is prohibited in construction and school zones. Taking your eyes off the road for a split second puts yourself and other drivers around you in an unsafe situation. A deadly situation. If you need to make a call, PULL OVER. If your job requires the use of a cell phone, use a hands free bluetooth device however research indicates cognitive distraction is significant enough to degrade a driver's performance. This can cause a driver to miss key visual and audio cues needed to avoid a crash.
It is your responsibility to know the laws in your state or the states you are traveling in.
It is also your responsibility as a driver of a motor vehicle to operate it safely. Your full attention and focus is required. Is a phone call or a text message more important than your life?