Dropped Call: Cell Phone Use While Driving can be Deadly
By Home Security Source Jun 22, 2010 | 10:45:00 amPosted in: DIY Safety, Personal Safety We all know that driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is deadly. But what we may not be aware of is just how deadly using our phones while driving is. How deadly you ask? According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), an estimated 28 percent of all traffic crashes (1.6 million each year) are caused by drivers using cell phones and texting.
It may be tempting to answer when your phone rings or to send a quick text message before the stoplight turns green, but it only takes a second for an accident to happen and resisting the urge to use your phone while driving could save a life, possibly your own. In some states, using your phone is against the law and for good reason, as crashes related to cell phone use are on the rise.
If you know you’ll be tempted to take calls while driving, silence your phone before you start the car. If you must make a call or answer a text message, pull off the road and park your car before answering your phone.
If you’re already making safe choices on the road, encourage family and friends to leave their phones out of reach while driving and look out for distracted drivers. If we all make the choice to avoid using mobile phones while driving, we can help make our roads safer for everyone.
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