The focus of our last post was to outline a Florida ban on wireless communication while driving, which was adopted in an attempt to prevent crashes and improve safety for pedestrians, vehicle operators, passengers, and bike riders. It also allowed law enforcement to stop and issues citations to people texting while driving. The ban stresses that a motor vehicle is not to be operated by a person entering symbols, multiple letters, numbers, characters, or manually typing. This Florida statute (Title XXIII Chap. 16.305) prohibiting the use of wireless communication devices was created with safety as a primary goal. Distracted driving, specifically texting while driving, is a risky behavior which puts drivers and passengers in danger. At Cassels Garage, not only do we want to be your full service automotive garage keeping your car in prime operating condition, but we want to disseminate information regarding all aspects of operating your vehicle safely!
According to the National Occupant Protection Use Survey: “At any given daylight moment across America, approximately 660,000 drivers are using cell phone or manipulating electronic devices while driving, a number that has held steady since 2010.” While this number is shocking, it is not the only risky action distracting drivers. There are actual three types of distractions which can interrupt driver attention and they are: visual (eyes off the road,) cognitive (take the mind off of driving,) and manual (hands off the wheel.) Since texting involves visual, manual, and cognitive interference, it is the most alarming distraction. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration webpage, “At 55 mph, the average text takes your eyes off the road long enough to cover a football field.” Isn’t that shocking?!
Here is a list of other distracted driving activities:
- Eating
- Talking on cell phone
- Operating navigation systems
- Grooming
- Watching a video
- Adjusting radio/cd/iPod
- Reading
Distracted driving is a real and present danger. The CDC Motor Vehicle Safety sector reports that every day over 8 people in the United States are killed and 1,161 injured in crashes related to a distracted driver. Distracteddriver.com reports that: “Texting and driving is 6 times more likely to get you in an accident than drunk driving.” Here are a few simple safe driving tips:
- Park to eat.
- Program your GPS, read a map, or get directions before you get on the road.
- Keep your cell phones out of reach and/or on silent.
- Ask passengers to adjust radio/change station or wait until you are parked or at a stop light to change the music. Another option is to use the steering wheel if your vehicle is equipped to do so.
Please take whatever steps necessary to not drive distracted. Be safe!
