Dangers Associated with Distracted Driving
January 20, 2011
According to a study done by the University of Utah, using a cell phone while driving, whether it’s hand-held or hands-free, delays a driver’s reactions as much as having a blood alcohol concentration at the legal limit of .08 percent.
U.S. Department of Transportation data indicates that 5,474 people were killed on U.S. roadways and an estimated 448,000 were injured in crashes involving distracted driving. That accounts for 20% of all crashes in 2009.
These statistics and information illustrate that distracted driving presents life-threatening danger to drivers. Due to the unprecedented increase of the use of cell phones, G.P.S. systems, and other in car technologies, people have made it a habit to use their devices while driving. Louisiana recently enacted laws that prohibit texting while driving. Drivers under 18 are prohibited to use wireless devices altogether. Even with States adopting tougher restrictions regarding the use of these technologies, it is estimated that the number of deaths and injuries due to distracted driving will continue to increase.
