Electronic Device Distractions

Statistics

 About 20% of all crashes involved some type of distraction   5,474 people were killed in crashes involving driver distraction, and an estimated 448,000 were injured in 2009 (the most recent, complete year of statistics) Text messaging creates a crash risk 23 times worse than driving while not distracted Statistics gathered from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

Statistics

  Drivers who use hand-held devices are four times more likely to get into crashes serious enough to injure themselves According to some studies, hands-free cell phone use is not substantially safer than hand held use Statistics gathered from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

Statistics

  Using a cell phone while driving – whether it’s hand-held or hands-free – delays a driver’s reaction as much as having a blood alcohol concentration at the legal limit of .08% Driving while using a cell phone reduces the amount of brain activity associated with driving by 37% Statistics gathered from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

Statistics

 Nearly 80 percent of crashes and 65 percent of near-crashes involved some form of driver inattention within three seconds before the event Statistics gathered from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

Overview

It’s easier to become distracted while driving than most operators realize.

 There are three main types of distraction: 

Visual

(taking your eyes off of the road) 

Manual

(taking your hands off of the wheel) 

Cognitive

(taking your mind off of what you’re doing)

Benefits and Risks

Millions of “electronic devices” are in use every day, and there has been much concern expressed in the media and among traffic safety experts that the distraction presented by these devices leads to collisions. There are several benefits and risks associated with the use of hand-held or manually manipulated electronic devices.

Benefits and Risks

 Electronic devices enable drivers to:  Call for help in emergency situations (for themselves or on behalf of other motorists)  Call for directions or access digital maps when lost or detoured off route  Call to notify others when unable to arrive at destinations on time (instead of frantically rushing and/or driving too fast for conditions)

Benefits and Risks

 Electronic devices enable drivers to:  Report dangerous situations to the authorities (such as reckless drivers, defective traffic control devices, etc.)  Provide constant or “near constant” contact with their home terminal for improved dispatching, routing and updates  Manage many of their recordkeeping tasks with ease, accuracy and speed

Benefits and Risks

The advantages of Electronic Devices come with an expense. Their use can be highly distracting to drivers and can lengthen reaction times beyond the point of no return. Additionally, the National Safety Council has issued a statement about the interference of electronic devices on our driving (continued, next slide).

Benefits and Risks

 Here is a small excerpt:  “…However, a driver's first responsibility is the safe operation of the vehicle cell phones while driving.” and that best practice is to not use electronic devices including  “When on the road, drivers shall concentrate on safe and defensive driving distracting influences.” and not on making or receiving phone calls, delivery of faxes, using computers, navigation systems, or other

Cell Phone/Texting Bans

  An increasing number of states are introducing & passing laws to restrict the use of wireless devices by drivers As of January 2012, 9 states, D.C. and the Virgin Islands prohibit all drivers from using hand-held cell phones while driving.

 A chart outlining all state cell phone and text messaging laws can be found at http://www.ghsa.org/html/stateinfo/laws/cellphone_laws.html

Cell Phone/Texting Bans

Some states have ruled that text messaging is already covered in the “hands-free” legislation. Research shows texting to be far worse than other types of distractions (it represents all three types of distractions – Cognitive, Visual and Manual).

Tips for Drivers

Although it may seem impractical to some drivers, the best option is to turn off the phone while driving.

Tips for Drivers

 IF your company allows use of cell phones or two way radio devices, here are a few tips to consider:  Safe driving is your first responsibility: always buckle up, keep your eyes on the road, and hands on the wheel (use auto dialers or ask passengers to place calls for you)  When possible & safe to do so, pull off of the highway to make calls  Never take notes or read maps while on the phone under any kind of driving conditions.  Let the voicemail feature pick up calls when dealing with difficult driving conditions (bad weather, heavy traffic, etc.)

Tips for Drivers

Although the use of speaker phones, auto dialers and speech-activated phones will not eliminate the risk, these features can help you to maintain concentration on driving duties.

Investigate the new software applications for phones that enable you to stay in compliance with your company’s policies.

Summary

If you are distracted by a phone conversation or by using on-board electronic devices of ANY kind, you are putting yourself at risk of becoming involved in a collision, and possibly endangering others.

Summary

Above all else, you need to follow any state laws, as well as the policies of your company regarding the approved use of cell phones or similar devices in vehicles.

We’re Here To Help

Telcom is always here to offer assistance. We have Distracted Driver DVD’s in our Safety Video Library, which as a policyholder, are available for your use during your safety meetings.

Please contact me anytime for additional information.

6301 Ivy Lane, Suite 506 Greenbelt, MD 20770 800.222.4664. ext 3206 [email protected]