OCHD: Thousands have Died in Crashes Involving Cell Phone use

texting while driving results tls pic“April is recognized as Distracted Driving Month” and it seems that cell phone use, whether talking on the phone and even more dangerously, texting while driving, is the culprit,” said Ocean County Freeholder Deputy Director Gerry P. Little, Liaison to the Ocean County Board of Health. “All of this new technology in vehicles is causing us to become more distracted behind the wheel than ever before. This has become a major public health/safety issue.”

Daniel Regenye, Ocean County Health Department (OCHD) Public Health Coordinator, said, “In a recent study, drivers, 53% of them, believe if manufacturers put “infotainment” dashboards and hands-free technology in vehicles, they must be safe. Not true, states the National Safety Council; in fact, these technologies distract our brains even long after you have used them.” Regenye added, “Make no mistake, this technology is about convenience, not safety.”

He continued, “Many distractions exist while driving, but cell phones are a top distraction because so many drivers use them for long periods of time each day. Almost everyone has seen a driver distracted by a cell phone, but when you are the one who is distracted, you often don’t realize that driver is you.

With some state laws focusing on handheld bans and car-makers putting hands-free technology in vehicles, it’s no wonder people are confused. However, while many drivers honestly believe they are making the safe choice by using a hands-free device, it’s just not true. Your brain remains distracted by the conversation.”

It is important that we remember for ourselves and constantly remind our young drivers of the dangers of cell phone use while driving. As cell phones not only show the number calling and most can record messages, encourage drivers when they have the opportunity to pull over, either call back then or listen to the message.

[TLS]

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1 COMMENT

  1. I made a rule for myself to never text and only talk on the cell phone when absolutely necessary while driving

    I usually pull off the road if I need to talk/text. I owe this to myself and others on the road, see distracted drivers on the phone everyday.

    Very frustrating

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