Drivers on Cell Phones, Traffic Jams and Delays!

The New Social Pariah - Drivers on Cell Phones
Guess what? If you're one of those drivers that feels compelled to always be on your cell phone you are fast falling into a new category of contempt. Contrary to what many of us want to believe . . . most people can't do two things at once! Drivers on Cell Phone Increase Commute Time & Tie-up Traffic! According to recent surveys conducted in major U.S. cities like Chicago, New York, and Dallas, the following Top 5 opinions were expressed: 1.) Cell phone users impede the flow of traffic and extend commute time. (Why? Because they are distracted.) 2.) Cell phone users do not use their turn signals and make abrupt turns. 3.) Cell phone users sit and stare at a green light until someone honks a horn. (Cited as primary reason for clogged intersections and red light runners.) 4.) Cell phone drivers cannot maintain a consistent speed in traffic. (Research validates that cell phone users drive 2 mph slower then the flow.) 5.) Cell phone users can't hold their lane, they drift from one side to another.
Interesting Statistics on Drivers Using Cell Phone : 1.) Cause over 3,200 deaths and 450,000 injuries in the U.S. annually. (2007) 2.) 60% of all rear-end collisions are caused by drivers on cell phones. 3.) Reaction time to brake lights is 15 to 18% slower than normal. 4.) Takes 17 to 20% longer to start-up and regain the speed of the traffic flow. Prior Studies Key Findings: The risk of driving while talking on a cell phone is the same level of risk as driving while intoxicated (issues of attention and reaction times). When you put a 20 to 30 year old on a cell phone behind the wheel, their reaction time slows to that of a 75 year old driver (who is not on a cell phone). Drivers look but they don't see. This is due to the distraction of their conversation. Cell Phone Blindness: I was recently in a cell phone induced accident where I was driving past the entrance and exit of a grocery store parking lot here in the Chicagoland area. A young lady in a brand new 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer (it was a pretty car) was sitting at the exit ready to pull out into traffic. As I approached, I glanced to my right to see her stopped with a cell phone to her ear. She looked right at me . . . there was a brief instant of eye contact . . . she then proceeded to accelerate and drive right into the side of my Saturn Hybrid. The collision ripped open my passenger door, rear passenger door, and rear quarter panel, it also sliced my tire and destroyed the rim. Her car, lost its front end. As she told the police officer, she just didn't see me! In another incident a good friend in Michigan was in a drive-through line at a popular fast-food chain. Stopped and sitting in line, waiting to get her order, the driver in line behind her, chatting it up on her cell phone (presumably to get someone's order) rear-ended her. Damage was estimated at several hundred dollars to both vehicles. An you got it . . . the cell phone using driver . . . didn't see her SUV. Bottom Line: If you find yourself behind the wheel of a car, chances are good that you are the driver . . . so give it your full attention! Cell Phone Common Sense: According to a recent study, there are now 128 million cell phone subscribers, and chances are, you're one of them. It is highly likely that there are times when you may 'need' to use your cell phone while 'behind the wheel.' To avoid being an accident statistic, here are 7 common sense tips that could save you a lot of grief. Always use hands-free devices such as an earpiece or speaker phone In receiving a call, never try to read the caller ID either just answer or don't! Never look up numbers, or take notes while driving Never send or read text messages while driving Make calls when you are not moving or before pulling into traffic Keep conversations short and don't make "social calls" while driving In heavy traffic, nasty weather, or stressful situations, do not use your phone State and City Cell Phone Use Laws: Accidents have become so prevalent that some states either ban or are attempting to ban the use of cell phones while driving. Currently New York State bans the use of cell phones while driving. This is a state wide law, so be advised when driving in New York. In downtown Chicago (Cook County) drivers are required to use hands free devices like head phones, Blue Tooth headsets, or speaker phones. Cell Phone Litigation: Can you be sued if you hit someone while talking on your cell phone? Most definitely! And, it can completely 'bankrupt' you. The cell phone related driving accident has spawned a whole new segment of business for lawyers. There are now numerous law firms that specialize in "Cell Phone related accidents." It has become big business . . . so perhaps it's a good idea to think about that next time you catch yourself in a moment of inattentiveness talking on your cell phone.
by: Dr. Von Zuko 2007�