January 6, 2014
It’s hard to imagine life before cell phones. Today, most people don’t leave the house without one, as it’s become a vital link to staying in touch and being reachable at all times. And yet, modern conveniences aside, the ability to text, Tweet, update and call can sometimes be fatal – particularly behind the wheel of a car. In recent years, the issue of “distracted driving” has come to include texting and talking while driving. Many states have adopted distracted driving laws and enforcement regulations to reduce accidents and fatalities. And campaigns to curb “the new drunk driving” have been introduced by companies like AT&T.
New Jersey was among the first states to ban talking and texting on handheld wireless phones while driving. New proposals have been made to crack down on violations including road signs reminding motorists that it’s illegal to talk and text while driving, a graduated penalty structure for repeat offenders, and prosecutors’ ability to charge drivers with assault or vehicular homicide.
According to The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, driver distraction was the cause of 18 percent of all fatal crashes in 2010. While teens are often singled out as frequent violators of distracted driving laws, studies show that adults are just as likely to talk or text while driving. A Pew Research report in 2010 found that 6 in 10 adults admit to using their phones while driving compared to 40% of new drivers (ages 16 and 17).
Reducing distracted driving is gaining new ground as a public safety priority. In an age of multitasking and constant contact, roadways are safer when drivers stay focused on the road.