The Dangers of using Cell Phones while Texting and Driving
“The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported in 2008 that driver distraction was the cause of 16% of all fatal crashes, which is 5,800 people killed and 21% of crashes resulting in an injury left 515,000 people wounded” (FCC Consumer Advisory).
Here are some facts and information that you should know before you consider texting while driving:
-Handheld Cell Phones are prohibited by all drivers in these states: California, Connecticut, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Washington, and Oregon.
-Car and Driver Magazine did a study in which a person drives a car rigged with a red light, and when that light goes off that person must hit there brakes. Here are the results:
-Unimpaired: .54 seconds to brake
-Legally drunk: add 4 feet
-Reading e-mail: add 36 feet
-Sending a text: add 70 feet
-More than 120 studies of cell phone use suggest that using hands-free devices doesn't eliminate the distraction caused by a phone conversation (Washington Post).
-An average fine for being caught on the cell phone while driving is between $100 to $200. This can vary from state to state.
-Before you begin to drive put your cell phone to silent so that it does not distract you while your are driving.
-If you get a phone call or text message, wait to answer it until you get to your destination or anywhere that is a safe place for you to sit and talk.
-Be aware of your surroundings no matter what while driving, because even though you may be a safe driver who follows the law, others do not do the same.
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Websites For More Information:
Governors Highway Safety Association
CNBC Texting and Driving Worse Than Drinking and Driving