On the March 29, 2010, CBS Special News Report, University of Utah physiologists, Dr. Jason Watson and Dr John Strayer, were interviewed regarding their latest finding that only 2.5% of Americans can safely talk on cell phones while driving. This statistic applies to both handheld and hands free cell phone use. Bottom line: Engaging in conversations while driving severely impairs how well a motorist operates his or her vehicle and increases your chance of being in an auto accident. Following are some areas of motorist’s abilities that are impaired when driving and talking:
- Reaction to hit the brakes slowed 20%
- 30% increase in failing to maintain the pace of traffic
- Memorization decreased by 11%
- Math performance dropped by 3%
In the CBS interview, Dr. Watson stated, ‘Given the number of individual who routinely talk on the phone while driving, one would have hoped that there would be greater percentage of super takers.” However 97.5% of test subjects performed poorly when engaged in a cell phone conversation while driving.
“Car Talk” with National Public Radio
The Salt Lake Tribune reports that Dr John Strayer will be joining the Magliozzi brothers in their “Car Talk” National Public Radio Show program (NPR) to advocate eliminating all cell phone use while driving which is quite similar to Oprah Winfrey’s “No Phone Zone” campaign. The motive behind the increased popularity of banning all cell phone use is substantiated when the following statistics are understood:
- Motorists of 4 times more likely to cause a car accident if they are talking on a cell phone
- Texting and driving increases this likelihood of causing a car accident to 8 times
- Motorists who talk on cell phones (including blue-tooth and hands-free cell phone users) are just as impaired as drunk drivers
- 28% of all car accidents and fatalities on U.S. highways were caused by drivers using cell phones
Get the Help You Need
The Utah car accident and personal injury attorneys at the Christensen Law Firm have years of experience in assisting Utah residents who have been injured in an accident caused by another’s negligence or reckless behavior such as talking while driving. Being a Utah accident victim is difficult-you have medical bills piling up, legal deadlines approaching, and uncooperative insurance companies. We know you have many questions and that is why we offer a Free no obligation consultation. You meet with one of our skilled Utah personal injury attorneys and finally get some answers! Feel free to contact us at 801.506.0800 to get started on protecting your rights.