Think you are a safe driver even while you are chatting on the cell phone? Join the club. A New York Times national poll found that while 48 percent of those polled said that driving while on the cellphone is the most dangerous distraction most of those who have used a cell phone while driving consider themselves safe drivers. What's dangerous for others is safe for you? That seems to be the attitude most of us have. Read also: Importance Of Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer.
Other Drivers Are The Problem, Not Me
Just how dangerous is driving while on the cell phone?
Research shows that drivers who talk on a phone are four times more likely to cause a crash as those who do not and are as likely to cause a crash as someone with a .08 blood alcohol content.
Distracted driving costs lives. The problem appears to be mushrooming as we fill our vehicles with more and more technological gadgets. A culture of multitasking behind the wheel has blossomed in recent years and there seems to be no end in sight.
Today's New York Times contains an article that suggests the U.S. has withheld information showing the risks of driving while distracted by cell phones. Read also: What To Look For Before Hiring A Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer.
U.S. Withheld Data Showing Driving Risks
Atlanta drivers and drivers across our nation seem to not want to hear about the risks. The research suggesting a link between driving while distracted and crashes has been available for years yet motorists seem inclined to ignore it. They keep talking, texting, tweeting, and watching TV on their mobile devices while driving. It's become a part of our drivetime culture.
This article discussses the fact that drivers and their elected officials have so far largely turned a blind eye to the problem of distracted driving and instead are doing more and more of it. Read also: Prison Time for Missouri DUI Accident Drivers.
Drivers and Legislators Dismiss Cellphone Risks
It will be interesting to see how federal and state lawmakers and regulators handle the touchy issue of what happens when public safety on the highways comes into conflict with the value of personal freedom to do what we choose inside our vehicles.