Educating Distracted Drivers
The wireless industry mounts education efforts to make drivers aware of distractions
By Michael Fickes
While state legislative efforts increase to curb distracted driving, and particularly focus on drivers’ use of mobile devices, cell phone providers, manufacturers, and CTIA-The Wireless Association® are committed to making the driving experience a safe one with a multitude of awareness and education campaigns and technological advances.
The first public awareness campaigns were launched more than five years ago, including an industry wide effort, a comprehensive young driver education initiative by Cingular Wireless and a hands-free device giveaway promotion by Sprint states and the District, and dozens of cities and cell phones by drivers on the move. So far, three ing motor vehicles is growing. Since 2003, more and Samsung. Still, despite the industry’s proactive endeavors, criticism and legislative attention aimed at the use of cell phones by drivers operatthan half the states and the District of Columbia have introduced legislation related to the use of localities have enacted laws and ordinances that prohibit handheld wireless use behind the wheel.
Focus on the Facts
From 1994 to 2004, the number of U.S. licensed drivers and miles driven went up, with huge increases in the number of wireless subscribers and the time they spent on their devices. At the same time, the number of vehicle crashes dropped about 5%.
But will those laws have the desired effect of making the nation’s roadways safe from distracted drivers? Recent research suggests that cell phones are but one of a host of distractions that hector today’s drivers. Other distractions include the radio, players for tapes, CDs and DVDs, as well as breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks. Some men shave while driving to work in the morning, and some women apply make-up using the rear view mirror.
What the Research Shows
“I’m not claiming that cell phones are safe, but I think that they have been vilified because they are new and visible,” says James R. Sayer, Ph.D., of the Human Factors Division at the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute. “No one would legislate that you can’t eat, drink, or talk in the car. But they will legislate that you can’t use a cell phone in the car. But there are lots of other things in the car that have negative consequences in terms of driving.”
