Drivers distracted by more than cell phones
Andrea DeMart REPORTER
Issue date: 3/4/10 Section: News
Most people associate distracted driving with cell phones, although one can become distracted by any activity performed while driving such as changing the radio station, selecting a song from your MP3 player or eating.
No distraction has had such a negative reaction and backlash effect as that of the use of cell phones, either for carrying on a conversation or text messaging while driving.
Distracted driving is described as "any activity that takes your eyes and mind off the road," said Brian Newbacher, director of Public Affairs for AAA East Central.
Newbacher recently went before the House Public Safety and Homeland Security Committee to propose a ban on text messaging while operating a motor vehicle in the state of Ohio.
In his proposal, Newbacher points out that "the safety impact of handheld cell phone bans is reduced significantly in part because many motorists simply switch to hands-free phones, which still carry significant risk when used while driving."
Newbacher explains that there has been "widespread public support for banning text messaging while driving."
"Twenty-one percent of motorists of all ages admit to text messaging while driving. Young drivers are more likely than older drivers to text message. Nearly half of drivers ages 18 to 24 admit text messaging while driving at least occasionally," Newbacher said.
According to the Governors Highway Safety Association Web site, six states prohibit all drivers from using handheld cell phones while driving. No state completely bans all types of cell phone use (handheld and hands-free) for all drivers, but many prohibit cell phone use by some drivers (novice and school bus drivers).
The Web site also notes that 19 states now ban text messaging for all drivers. Some states limit texting by specific drivers (novice and school bus drivers).
Although the state of Ohio has not enacted laws against cell phone use and text messaging while driving, localities are able to pass laws prohibiting their use.
No distraction has had such a negative reaction and backlash effect as that of the use of cell phones, either for carrying on a conversation or text messaging while driving.
Distracted driving is described as "any activity that takes your eyes and mind off the road," said Brian Newbacher, director of Public Affairs for AAA East Central.
Newbacher recently went before the House Public Safety and Homeland Security Committee to propose a ban on text messaging while operating a motor vehicle in the state of Ohio.
In his proposal, Newbacher points out that "the safety impact of handheld cell phone bans is reduced significantly in part because many motorists simply switch to hands-free phones, which still carry significant risk when used while driving."
Newbacher explains that there has been "widespread public support for banning text messaging while driving."
"Twenty-one percent of motorists of all ages admit to text messaging while driving. Young drivers are more likely than older drivers to text message. Nearly half of drivers ages 18 to 24 admit text messaging while driving at least occasionally," Newbacher said.
According to the Governors Highway Safety Association Web site, six states prohibit all drivers from using handheld cell phones while driving. No state completely bans all types of cell phone use (handheld and hands-free) for all drivers, but many prohibit cell phone use by some drivers (novice and school bus drivers).
The Web site also notes that 19 states now ban text messaging for all drivers. Some states limit texting by specific drivers (novice and school bus drivers).
Although the state of Ohio has not enacted laws against cell phone use and text messaging while driving, localities are able to pass laws prohibiting their use.
Be the first to comment on this story