Car Cell Phones cause Accidents

We were taught to drive with both hands on wheel and eyes on the road. And most drivers did this, knowing it was the safe thing to do. But now it seems driving is changing. And not for the better. How many times do we see drivers talking on the phone ? Its illegal here in New York but you would never know it. They don't even try to hide it. Most refuse to pull over. Worst case for me was observing a man driving his 18 wheel tractor trailer with one hand and speaking into phone in the other hand. All the while negotiating that big rig in traffic.

The reports are starting to pile up confirming the foolishness of all this. Over 40% admit to talking on cell phone while driving. Take just the ' slower reaction time ' factor. Its been proven drivers talking on phone react 18% slower than normal drivers. That may not sound like much but can make all the difference in many situations.

Do you think that might explain the fact drivers talking on phone are four times more likely to be involved in a serious accident ? And would you believe that using a ' hands free ' phone is not much safer?

One research test showed 8 out of 10 younger drivers (under 25) think nothing of regular phone use while driving. And they wonder why their age group has such high rates. Most states are now planning new laws to correct this driver distraction.

Germany and the United Kingdom will cancel your insurance if accident takes place while talking on the phone. In July 2004, the California Association of Employers recommended that employers develop a cell phone policy that requires employees to pull off the road before conducting business by cell phone. Is that asking too much? I don't think so. Do you?

http://www.cartalk.com/content/features/Distraction/
http://www.iii.org/media/hottopics/insurance/cellphones/--Insurance