The “Click it or Ticket” seatbelt campaign has been highly successful. So let’s try another one: “Turn off your cell, it’s dangerous as … .” OK, the public relations folks can work on that one. But the fact remains that yet another study has proven how remarkably hazardous it is to drive under the influence of a cell phone.
Researchers in Australia found that drivers distracted by cell phone conversations quadruple their risk of a serious accident. The researchers talked to drivers and also used phone company records so they could compare crash risks in the same driver at the same time of day, with the only difference being whether they using their phones or not.
The study found the link between phone use and increased crash risk held true regardless of driver age, sex, or whether or not he or she was using a hands-free mobile phone. So let’s quit pretending this is just a teens-and-their-cell-phones issue. It’s an everybody issue. From talkative teens, to the busy mom using the quiet time in her car to make calls, to the businessperson networking while on her way to the next appointment, the message is the same: Hang up. Get where you’re going and then make your call. Yes, it’s old-fashioned, but maybe if we think of it as “retro,” it could gain some trendy credence.
It’s not to say that drivers aren’t distracted by other things. They are. And it’s not to say there aren’t horrible drivers out there who aren’t on the phone. There are. But the phones are ubiquitous and the studies offer such scary evidence against them. And in this road-ragey, self-important multitasking world that we live and drive in, every precaution is needed.
When the Legislature opens in January, Sen. Tracey Eide, D-Auburn, will introduce for the sixth time a bill to ban hand-held cell phones while driving. This bill, which didn’t even warrant a hearing in the transportation committee last session, is important to our safety and long overdue. It would make Washington the third state to pass such a law. The only question is whether the bill should go farther and ban hands-free phones as well, since the Australian study shows the distraction remains the same.
Regardless, banning hand-held phones is a critical first step. Talkative drivers are a menace to themselves and others.
Smart drivers will turn off their cells long before a law and a catchy campaign force them to.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
