Under the influence
Okay…so we are familiar with the acronym “DUI” and now we are familiar with DWD (driving while drowsy). I was just reading an article about Driving under the influence – of a cell phone! I often get asked…what is the difference between driving your car and talking to your passengers or talking on the phone? Is there a difference? When talking to a passenger, he/she is another set of eyes watching where you are driving. But that is not all…when you are talking on a cell phone your concentration level is different. You become more focused on the call then the road, plus by holding the phone to your ear you create a new blind area, you will reduce your reaction time because you are steering with only one arm, not to mention the muscle strain that is will cause.
Did you know that most drivers holding a coffee will often go off the road before they will drop the coffee to regain steering…. it is human nature….
I myself use a cell phone but I never hold the phone to my ear, I always use a head phone of some sort. Plus I have learned the keys so that I can dial without looking.
Making calls is clearly an issue…what about text and email. Many of the new email devices such as treo and the blackberry advertise the “one handed” functionality…. so that you can still drive while sending an email?? One company told their sales staff that they are to respond to emails immediately … whether they are on the road or not!
In the States companies are being sued because their employees were on the phone while driving. Will that come to Canada….maybe…what is your company policy? Do foremen talk on the phone? Talk on the Radio? Do Police officers type on their laptops while driving. Our next article will talk about how far you travel when you look away…. plus…how far will you reach while driving?
Be Safe…be reasonable!
Tags: cell phones, Driving, policy
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March 10th, 2008 at 8:22 am
The cell phone issue clearly remains a hot topic on our roadways. As a footnote, I have noticed that when road users fail to use their signals when turning or changing lanes, more likely than not it is because the hand normally used for signaling has a cell phone in it. To ensure other road users are aware of your intentions, sufficient warning must be given to avoid potential hazards (i.e. signaling lane changes). Failing to do so can result in appropriate charges under the Highway Traffic Act. Cell phone use while driving in itself is not “yet” in contravention of the Act, but driving carelessly is!
Put safe driving back to the forefront. Provide sufficient warning to other roadway users; avoid driving while distracted; and if there is a distraction behind the wheel, remember to increase following distances to accommodate.
DJN