Cell Phones: Will You Put It Down?

When I got my new cell phone from Verizon, the booklet on the NV Touch had some info on cell phone use and warnings.  My curiosity sent me to www.nhtsa.gov.  

I have highlighted some important points from that website.  Here are a few excepts:

“In 2008, nearly 6,000 people died in crashes that involved distracted driving. Distracted driving applies to anything that takes your eyes off the road, your hands off the steering wheel, or interrupts your concentration while driving.  Of special concern is the use of electronic entertainment and communication devices, especially cell phones. The relative risks of the various tasks drivers engage in are still being assessed, but in general the safest course of action is to refrain from using a cell phone while driving, which includes talking, dialing, and texting. 

Who are the offenders, and how great a problem is this?

The younger, inexperienced drivers under 20 years old have the highest proportion of distraction-related fatal crashes. They are not alone. At any given moment during the daylight hours, over 800,000 vehicles are being driven by someone using a hand-held cell phone. People of all ages are using a variety of hand-held devices, such as cell phones, mp3 players, personal digital assistants, and navigation devices, when they are behind the wheel.

Is it safe to use hands-free (headset, speakerphone, or other device) cell phones while driving?

The available research indicates that cell phone use while driving, whether it is a hands-free or hand-held device, degrades a driver’s performance. The driver is more likely to miss key visual and audio cues needed to avoid a crash. Hand-held devices may be slightly worse, but hands-free devices are not risk-free.

In an emergency should I use my cell phone while driving?

As a general rule, drivers should make every effort to move to a safe place off of the road before using a cell phone. However, in emergency situations a driver must use their judgment regarding the urgency of the situation and the necessity to use a cell phone while driving.  Although not a law, DOT recently launched a national campaign to encourage the public to get involved in ending distracted driving. “Put It Down” focuses on the key messages that drivers can’t do two things at once, everyone has a personal responsibility to pay attention while behind the wheel, and the implementation of legislation and high visibility enforcement will lead to increased consequences for distracted driving. Learn more about “Put It Down” and access materials you can use at www.distraction.gov.”

At this time, Champion has no set rules in place as to how you use your cell phone.  If my cell phone rings when I’m driving I’m going to try and at least wait until the next time I stop to respond to the call.

Just think about this information. It’s really up to you how you use it!

Larry Banach - Construction Manager