We've all seen it. Sitting in traffic, waiting at a light, or even driving down a highway. A motorist driving with their head down, their face illuminated by an electronic screen. I'm sure you've also seen a motorist driving with one of their hands pressed up against their ear, holding a cell phone while their other hand steers.
Distracted driving. It's become a disease in our country. Too many drivers think that checking their email or texting on their cell phone while driving isn't a big deal. "My eyes are only off the road for a few seconds," they tell themselves. "I can drive fine."
They're wrong. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that over 5,000 people were killed and almost 450,000 were injured in car accidents that were reported to have involved a distracted driver. Of the people who were killed in those accidents, at least 995 were due to cell phone distraction. Of those injured, over 24,000 involved reports of cell phone use.
Distracted driving can be categorized into three groups: visual, manual, and cognitive distractions. Visual distractions result in a motorist taking their eyes off the road, while manual distractions result in a motorist taking their hands off the steering wheel, And cognitive distractions result in a motorist taking their mind off of driving. Experts believe that texting on a cell phone is the most dangerous activity for a motorist to perform since it involves all three types of driver distractions.
Thankfully, in Oregon, our state government has taken steps to help ensure the safety of motorists, bicyclists, pedestrians, and others on the road by passing a cell phone law that went into effect on January 1, 2010. Amending ORS 811.507, House Bill 2377 banned the use of mobile communication devices, with some exceptions. Defined as "a text messaging device or a wireless, two-way communication device designed to receive and transmit voice or text communication," mobile communication devices were banned from use by all drivers in Oregon when operating a motor vehicle.
Drivers over the age of 18 are allowed to use a mobile device if they use a hands-free accessory that enables them to keep both hands on the wheel when driving. Minors are not allowed to use a wireless device while driving except in certain situations, such as an emergency. Before House Bill 2377, only drivers under the age of 18 were not allowed to use a cell phone while driving.
Also, in Oregon using a cell phone while driving is a primary offense, which means police can stop a motorist if they are using a cell phone without utilizing a hands-free device. The minimum fine for the violation is $142, which isn't cheap.
Sadly, however, even with such laws in place, many motorists still use their cell phones when driving. Do your part and save texting or talking on your cell phone for when you are not driving. Encourage any drivers that you know, friends, and family members, to do the same.
Labels: Distracted , Driving , Hands , Oregon , Preventing , wheel
