Even With New Technologies, Using Cell Phone While Driving Remains Dangerous

February 02, 2013

Even With New Technologies, Using Cell Phone While Driving Remains Dangerous

In recent years, the increased adoption of smart phone and Global Positioning System (GPS) technology has changed the way people drive. Indeed, these new devices help commuters keep in touch with loved ones and help ensure they reach their planned destinations. The use of cell phones while driving does, however, come with significant risks. And although some auto manufacturers have attempted to mitigate these risks with new technologies, the danger still remains.

Distracted Driving a Significant Danger in the United States

According to statistics compiled by the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA), 3,094 people were killed and an additional 419,000 injured in accidents involving distracted drivers in 2010, the last year for which statistics are available. Motor vehicle accidents involving distracted drivers accounted for a total of 18 percent of all accidents that year.

Technology to Discourage Texting While Driving Ineffective

Texting while driving - which requires a driver's eyes, hands and attention - is one of the most dangerous distraction behaviors. For this reason, many states have banned the practice. Because many people have begun to use texting as a primary means of communication, some automakers and phone manufacturers have developed technologies that allow drivers to send and receive texts "hands free." That is, the system reads incoming texts to the driver and allows him to respond with his voice. It is not necessary for the driver to take his hands off the wheel or his eyes from the road.

While these hands free systems may seem safer at first glance, research indicates that they are just as dangerous as traditional texting. For example, a recent study from the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute tested drivers on a closed course to determine whether they could operate a vehicle safely while texting. Half of those in the study used their cell phone while the other half used a hands-free system. Both sets of drivers performed poorly.

Although the hands-free systems do not require drivers to remove their hands from the wheel, the very act of composing a message requires drivers to divert a significant amount of attention from the road. Conversations with passengers, however, do not pose the same threat because they generally incorporate details about road conditions and landmarks. Further research is needed, of course, but it appears that the best policy is to ignore messages while driving, even if using a hands-free device.

A Personal Injury Attorney Can Help

If you or someone you love has suffered serious injury in a car accident due to the negligence of a distracted driver, contact an experienced personal injury attorney. A knowledgeable personal injury lawyer can assess your case and help you get the fair and adequate compensation you deserve for medical bills, lost wages and pain and suffering. For more information about what a personal injury attorney can do for you, contact a lawyer today.

Article provided by Law Offices of Magnuson Lowell P.S.
Visit us at http://www.magnusonlowellpersonalinjury.com/