DRIVING WHILE YAKKING - Cell Phones as Distraction to Driving

Right at this moment that I m making this entry, 10 million U.S. drivers are chatting on a handheld cell phones. It’s a fact that comes from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

It is a problem. Yes! And you know why it is considered as a problem in driving? These gadgets are known to be distractions that lead to a driver’s inattention to driving. They were verified by the NHTSA as a causative factor in as many as 25 percent of all police-reported traffic accidents. Thinking of those that are not reported… this number would be higher. This issue stirred the world, making numerous countries to ban the use of handheld phones while driving as well with U.S. cities and many municipalities including California, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, and Washington D.C.

There were points given by wireless-phone proponents at the center of many legislative attempts over whether “drive while yakking” or DWY is unsafe. They say that talking on a cell phone is less distracting or just the same effect as changing a radio station, eating and controlling kids’ passengers. Of course, these three are not regulated. Because many states have already passed laws that ban distracted driving, they assert that prohibiting the use of handheld cell phones is like fining or stopping the technology instead of the behavior.

As you search in the internet, you can find studies about cell phone use and its supposed dangers. For example, a study in Japan pointed out that dialing or answering a call are related to majority of the cell phone-related crashes. A NHTSA study in 1997 suggested that holding a conversation is the culprit. Other studies also said that there is lesser percentage of accidents and losses with regards to phones than what is believed.

There were two studies conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) on the result of the bans on handheld cell phone use in New York and Washington D.C. and found out that there was a high result to the initial cooperation with 2.5 percent reduced handheld phone use. But, with just a year using the said gadget resumed and in New York the level goes back as before the ban is implemented.

We know that this gadget offers us a lot of benefits. Like firstly you can communicate with your family and friends, you can conduct business on the road, and you even can let your boss know that you are running late. Road problems? You do not need to worry for you can call for medical help or roadside assistance. Reporting problems like a drunk driver, a stranded motorist and an obstacle on the road is just easy with it. But, facts has it that handheld cell phones pose a dangerous risk since it is a distraction from driving.

So for that reasons, here are some suggestions that will keep you safe with a handheld cell phone while driving.

• Get to know your phone and its features — if you can dial a number with one key instead of seven or 10, you're better off.
• Position your phone within easy reach — bending over to reach for it takes your eyes of the road and can cause you to swerve.
• Suspend calls in heavy traffic or in bad weather — you need to focus even more under hazardous conditions.
• Do not take notes or look up phone numbers while driving .
• Keep conversations short. Inform the person you're calling that you are in a car, and hang up as soon as possible.
• If possible, place calls when you are not moving. Pull over where possible.
• Ask a passenger to help. Have someone else make or take the call.
• Do not engage in stressful or emotional conversations
  

You may think that using a hands-free phone cannot necessarily mean that it can solve the problem. Users of it have their both hands on the wheel with headphone or earphone. Some of these devices have common volume problems and can be a source of distraction.

IIHS also reported that it is four times more dangerous when taking on phones, whether handheld or hands-free. A research also of the NHTSA researched whether hand held phones make difference. It found out that drivers actually prefer hands-free and voice-dialing options than holding a phone. Drivers also found these setups easier to use.

Now there are quite a few hands-free choices that seem more right, eliminating the need for a headphone by running voice calls through your car's speakers. In addition, there are lots of cell phones and vehicles are equipped with Bluetooth technology. Even though it is located anywhere inside a vehicle, you can still receive calls. You can hear the calls the calls through your car speaker and voice is transmitted through a built-in microphone. Bluetooth-enabled cars also equipped with voice recognition technology, enabling you to make or receive phone calls without touching anything inside your car. If Bluetooth is not available, you can get the same service with Verizon Wireless and the OnStar in-car communications system.

However, even with cell phones being used as hands-free there is still the risk of getting into an accident. They say that talking on the phone is the more hazardous distraction especially emotional conversations that greatly elevate the risk. So whether you use hands-free or handheld phone, there is an increased DWY risk.

NHTSA's impending study on wireless phone interfaces would make it clear whether hands-free driving is safer or not. Meanwhile, the agency stands for banning hand-held cell phones is not rightful. And still in states or localities where cell phones are banned, compliance has always been the big problem.

Yes we cannot deny the fact that wireless technology is wonderful. It doesn't mean you have to use it everywhere just because it appears to be everywhere. Using it may be the cause for you to miss the most important call of your life. Who knows?

source: www.edmunds.com