Jan 21 2009
Is talking while driving hazardous to your health?
Is using a cellular telephone while driving similar to driving drunk?
Is it necessary for the government to ban the use of cellular telephones while driving?
The National Safety Council (“NSC”) just recently called on all motorists to stop using cellular telephones, messaging devices and hands-free devices while driving. The NSC believes that using a cell phone while driving is just like driving drunk. According to Janet Froetscher, NSC’s chief executive officer, “When our friends have been drinking, we take the car keys away. It’s time to take the cell phone away.” The NSC is pushing for legislation to outlaw the use of cellular telephones while driving.
The use of cellular telephones while driving, according to a study conducted by the Harvard Center for Risk Analysis, causes approximately six-percent of the vehicle crashes, resulting in 2,600 deaths and 12,000 serious injuries yearly. According to other studies, when drivers are talking on a telephone, either handheld or hands-free, their braking reactions are delayed and they are involved in more traffic accidents than those who are not talking on their telephone.
As personal injury attorneys, we have been advocating for years safe driving practices, including a reduction in the use of cellular telephones while driving.
Based on your personal experiences with other drivers, how do you feel about the use of cellular telephones while driving? Do you believe that it is as dangerous as driving drunk? How do you feel about the proposed ban on the use of cellular phones while driving?
For more on what our St. George attorneys can help you with call (435) 652-9000
