The national need to text and talk on handheld portable devices seems to be only growing stronger, as smartphones become as common as watches. Researchers now are talking about the handheld devices in terms of obsession and addiction -- with the potential for disaster when combined with motor vehicle operation. Brains of many cell-phone-using young adults react to ringing and vibrating smartphones as they would to the arrival of a loved one, a recent study in San Diego suggests. The same researcher reports that the sound of a vibrating cell phone ranked third among the most powerful and … [Read more...]
In the dog days, a safety warning
July 28, 2011 by 1 Comment
Doggie distractions: AAA just updated its poll on pet owners who drive with their dogs in the vehicle. Once again, the survey found the pet owners fessing up to their potentially dangerous behaviors. About 6 of 10 drivers who own dogs reported that they bring their canines along on car trips. About a quarter of the respondents said they use their hands or arms to restrain the dog while braking. Almost 20 percent of the drivers said they reach into the back seat to interact with the dog, while 17 percent of the drivers allow their pets to sit their laps. "83 percent of respondents … [Read more...]
Adults tie teens in texting, driving
June 21, 2010 by Leave a Comment
Adults are just as likely to text message while driving as teenagers, according to a new national survey. "Adults may be the ones sounding the alarm on the dangers of distracted driving, but they don't always set the best example themselves," said Mary Madden of the Pew Research Center. The finding contradicts the widely held belief that texting and driving is primarily a problem with teens. The Pew report on distracted driving does show, however, that young adults (ages 18 to 34) are the most likely to text and drive, by far (59 percent). More than a quarter of U.S. adults (27 … [Read more...]
Teens, texting at night a deadly duo
May 8, 2010 by Leave a Comment
U.S. teenagers' most dangerous move behind the wheel? Not speeding, not drinking, not racing. It's simply driving after dark, according to a new study of highway fatalities. From 1999 to 2008, the proportion of fatal crashes at night involving teen drivers increased 10 percent, according to a study released May 6 by the Texas Transportation Institute. Fatalities involving all drivers fell during those 10 years. Most of the blame for the teen spike should go to use of cell phones and texting devices, researchers speculate. "We know driving at night is dangerous," said Bernie Fette of the … [Read more...]
The distracted driving dictionary
May 8, 2010 by 3 Comments
Like all social issues, distracted driving has a unique terminology that's used by those involved in the conversation -- legislators, police, activists, researchers and so on. Here, in context, are some of the key words and phrases used in the national debate over distracted driving: Distracted driving: Covers a wide range of activities that draw away a driver's attention from the road. Bills that seek bans on handheld cell phones and text messaging devices typically are classified as distracted driving legislation. In a broader sense, activities such as putting on makeup, operating a … [Read more...]
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