U.S. DOT Holds Summit On Dangers Of Texting While Driving
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U.S. DOT Holds Summit On Dangers Of Texting While...
The government is now trying to get the word out that any cell phone use while behind the wheel can be extremly dangerous. In Washington, the Transportation Department is so worried about drivers...
The government is now trying to get the word out that any cell phone use while behind the wheel can be extremly dangerous. In Washington, the Transportation Department is so worried about drivers who don’t keep their minds on driving, that they’re holding a summit meeting about it. Distracted Drivers reportedly cause thousands of traffic deaths a year. ABC News’ T.J. Winick has more.
Published: September 30, 2009
Washington, D.C.—Most of us have done it one time or another…
Driver: “I am definitely trying to stop because I have a new baby.“
Talking, or even texting, on our cell phone while driving…
Driver: “I hate it and I think it should be outlawed because it takes your eyes off the road and endangers people.“
It’s not only dangerous, it kills. According to the Obama Administration, nearly 6,000 deaths and 500,000 injuries last year were blamed on driver distraction…evidence of how dangerous it is to use a mobile device behind the wheel.
KRISTIN BACKSTROM, AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety: “If we have a hard time convincing our loved ones to change their behavior, how are we going to change behavior in society, as a whole?“
Transportation officials and experts have descended on Washington for a two-day “distracted driving summit.“
Some expect a renewed push by DOT Secretary Ray Lahood to ban texting and driving. Thirty-three states have already taken some steps in that direction.
Secretary Ray Lahood, U.S. Department of Transportation Department: “Keep your eyes on the road. It’s up to each of us to do that. Don’t wait for your employer to tell you not to text, or talk, on company time. Don’t wait for your community to pass a law…this kind of behavior is irresponsible and its consequences are deadly.“
And, while millions of Americans share that disgust…
Driver: “They’re chit-chatting anyway, 99% of them. Because you see them and they’re laughing…“
There seem to be just as many drivers who are unapologetic about using a cell phone behind the wheel…zipping along at 50, 60, 70 miles per hour.
Driver: “Because I do it so fast. I do. I’m really good at it, believe it or not.
T.J. Winick, reporting: “Studies show that anyone who texts and drives…is 20 times more likely to get in an accident.“
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Reader Reactions
The National Safety Council has over 50 studies. According the the NSC web site, talking on a cell phone cost us $43 Billion a year!
It’s called a driver’s license, not a talk-text-chat-eat-drink-DoYourMakeup-ReadThePaper-ChangeTheDvd-FillOutTheBillOfLadding License. Accept the responsibility you signed on for… hang up and drive!
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