Cell Phones & Distracted Driving |
Learn More:
GHSA's Distracted Driving Policy
Excerpted from GHSA’s Highway Safety Policies & Priorities 
O.6
Distracted Driving
There are many distractions which may prevent a driver
from focusing on the complex task of driving: changing
the radio or a CD, talking to passengers, observing an
event outside the vehicle, using a cell phone, etc.
Navigational and other interactive devices, called
telematics, in the vehicle are available in most vehicles
and more will be available in the near future.
GHSA opposes federal legislation that would penalize
states for not restricting the use of cell phones or other
electronic devices, particularly since many have lifesaving
benefits. Rather, the federal government should fund
considerably more research to determine the scope and
nature of the distracted driving problem and the effect
of telematics on driving behavior. Further, the federal
government should fund a comprehensive media
campaign to educate the public about the dangers of
distracted driving and the way to manage driver
distractions.
Producers and providers of electronic devices should also
undertake a major educational campaign to inform the
public about the proper use of these devices.
As part of a company or agency's employment policies,
employers should discourage the use of cell phones and other electronic devices when driving except in
emergency situations.
As part of a state's graduated licensing law, novice drivers
should be discouraged from using cell phones and other
electronic devices for non-emergency purposes while
driving.
GHSA supports state legislation that would ban
electronic devices used for entertainment purposes with
video screens that are within view of the driver. GHSA
also supports state legislation that would ban the use of
cell phones by school bus drivers except in emergencies.
GHSA believes that, when on the road, drivers should
not use cell phones, faxes, computers or other distracting
devices except to report a crash to emergency responders.
If a driver must use such devices to make a call or report
a crash, the driver should first stop in a parking lot or
other protected area. |
