Texas Distracted Driving

	Distracted Driving Distracted driving has become an increasingly large problem on Texas roadways in the last few years as cell phones have become more common in Texans’ day-to-day lives. In 1995, cell phone subscriptions covered only 11 percent of the U.S. population; in 2010, that number grew to 93 percent. This has led to a substantial increase in cell phone use while driving. According to the National Safety Council, 23 percent of all crashes each year involve cell phone use, resulting in 1.3 million crashes nationally. Distractions, along with alcohol and speeding, are now leading factors in fatal and serious injury crashes. What's the Problem Cell Phone Use While Driving Cell phone use while driving is the No. 1 distraction behind the wheel. Almost 70 percent of the respondents to a AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety survey reported talking on a cell phone while driving during the previous 30 days. Researchers observing more than 1,700 drivers found that three out of every four drivers using a cell phone committed a traffic violation. In 2010, cell phone use was a contributing factor in 3,387 Texas crashes. Talking on a cell phone while driving makes you four times more likely to crash, and texting while driving increases your chances of a crash by up to 8 to 23 times. While a growing number of drivers are turning to hands-free devices, studies show hands-free devices provide no safety benefit. It’s the conversation, not the deivce, that creates the danger. Cognitive Distraction Cell phone use while driving isn’t just a visual and manual distraction, but a cognitive distraction. In addition to taking their eyes and hands off the wheel, distracted drivers take their mind off the primary task of driving. Drivers talking on cell phones miss half of the information in their driving environment. Drivers using cell phones not only display slower reaction times and have difficulty staying in their lane, but also are less likely to see: High and low relevant objects Visual cues Exits, red lights and stop signs More information on cognitive distraction can be found in the National Safety Council’s white paper, “Understanding the Distracted Brain.” Employer Costs The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that employers in Texas spend $4.3 billion every year as a result of on and off the job traffic injuries. In recent years, numerous plaintiffs have filed and won multi-million dollar actions against employers for injuries arising from negligent driving of an employee who was distracted by the use of a cell phone. Multitasking while driving may seem like a time-saving solution, but it isn’t worth the risk. *In 2010, motor vehicle crashes in Texas resulted in 3,023 fatalities and $20.6 billion in economic loss to society.* What You Can Do Implement a Corporate Cell Phone Ban Driver distractions cost the U.S. economy $3.58 billion each month (Harvard Center for Risk Analysis Study). In an effort to protect employees and their finances, many employers are implementing corporate cell phone bans, which protect employees both on and off the job. *99%* of organizations that responded to an NSC survey with total cell phone bans saw no decrease in productivity. A corporate cell phone ban might ask employees to: Turn off wireless phones or other devices before starting the car. Inform clients, associates and business partners that calls will be returned when no longer driving. Pull over to a safe location and put the vehicle in park if a call must be made. Learn how to implement a corporate policy that bans cell phone use while driving. Educate Your Staff on the Risks of Distracted Driving Your staff will have many questions about a cell phone ban and the risks of distracted driving, so prepare yourself to answer them. Frequently Asked Questions About Distracted Driving Distracted Driving Facts Handheld vs. Hands-Free Promote Distraction-Free Driving Announce Your Commitment to Employee Safety – Introduce your cell phone policy and emphasize how it will ensure a safe workplace. Distribute the policy and give employees time to read and react to it, then explain what the ramifications are if employees fail to adhere to the policy. Create a 12-Month Safety Calendar – You should promote distraction-free driving all year, but build on momentum of safety events during logical times of the year, like April’s Distracted Driving Awareness Month. Use Posters, Web Banners and Fact Sheets from NSC – The National Safety Council provides many resources to help promote the prevention of distracted driving. Our Cell Phone Policy Kit provides ready-to-use materials. What's New Upcoming Cognitive Distraction/Employer Cell Phone Policy Webinar Our next webinar, "Eliminating Driver Distractions: Employer Cell Phone Policies Save Lives and Cut Costs," will take place Wednesday, February 15. This webinar will share the research behind the dangers of cognitive distraction, as well as the safety and liability risks to employers and the resources available to educate employees and implement cell phone policies. Register for the webinar now! NTSB Recommends Total Cell Phone Ban for Drivers The National Transportation Safety Board, an independent federal agency responsible for promoting traffic safety and investigating accidents, recently recommended a total ban on cell phone use by drivers, except in emergency circumstances. The recommended ban includes all portable electronic and hands-free devices, as even hands-free technology does not prevent cognitive distraction. The Board also recommends high visibility enforcement and increased public awareness campaigns to support these bans. The NTSB came to this conclusion after the investigation of a multi-vehicle crash involving a driver texting behind the wheel, which resulted in the death of two people and 38 injured children on a school bus. The National Safety Council applauds this recommendation, as estimates show that 1.3 million crashes involve drivers distracted by cell phones each year. NSC Launches Distracted Driving Video Series The National Safety Council recently released a video series to educate the public on the dangers of distracted driving. Presented by NSC Senior Director of Transportation Initiatives Dave Teater, “Understanding Distracted Driving” is a series of two- to three-minute clips explaining the science behind cognitive distraction and how employers can protect their employees with workplace policies. Teater’s 12-year-old son was killed in 2004 by a driver distracted by a cell phone conversation while driving. Formerly the CEO of a research and strategy firm consulting auto manufacturers, Teater is now a leading advocate in the fight against distracted driving and even has testified in front of the U.S. Congress on the issue. The videos are free to download and available to view on YouTube. FocusDriven Launches New Website FocusDriven, a nonprofit organization created to raise awareness of the dangers of distracted driving and support families and victims of distracted driving-related crashes, recently launched a new website. The new site includes a searchable database of victims where photos and messages from friends and family members can be shared via a memorial wall. The site also allows for the development of an area dedicated to providing victim services to help with the grieving process. For more information on FocusDriven and its efforts to stop distracted driving, visit focusdriven.org. No Cell Phones in School Zones Texans need to be aware of the new cell phone law in effect. Drivers are prohibited from using handheld cell phones in school crossing zones. School bus operators also are prohibited from using cell phones while driving if children are present. In Texas, fines can double in school zones.