Distracted Driving, A Menace

Distracted Driving, A Menace

DR has three components; cell phones, texting and the excessive and dangerious use of dashboard technology such as navagation and internet-connected infotainment systems. All these pull a drivers attention away from the raod and lead to crashes.

In 2011, 3000 people were killed and 385,000 were injured in crashes involving a distracted driver. The National Highway Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued guidelines for automakers on built-in distractions. The goial is to limit the times a driver must take their eyes off the road to perform a task to 2 seconds and no more then 12 seconds total.

Car companies are also urged to disable manual texting, web browsing etc. until the vehicle is stopped and in park. Other actions being considered are controlling phones, tablets and other portable devices while driving in the vehicle.

These and other technology solutions, driver education and stepped up law enforcement are critical to reduce the deaths and injuries caused by distracteddriving. Our schools must take an assertive and continuing educational program on this subject.

Marvin Gartenbaum
Co-Chair,
Public Safety Awareness Committee