Driving While Distracted (Anyone, Not Just Teens)

A pretty intense PSA was produced in the UK targeting texting while driving. I’ve seen comments by well-intentioned folks suggesting that it is too graphic for teen consumption. I have a hard time understanding their logic. If you haven’t already seen the video, you can see it here:



Utah has also produced a lengthy video about texting while driving that is worth the time it takes to view it.





I’m not a great believer in showing graphic videos to teens as a means of convincing them not to take risks, or drive irresponsibly. Preaching abstinence just doesn’t work very well. That’s why I believe we should be banning all cell phone use while operating a motor vehicle. I also understand that this will probably not happen in my lifetime.

Trinity Noble has developed technology that will only prevent the driver from using a hand-held cell phone while the vehicle is in motion above 15mph. It will still allow calls using blue tooth hands-free units. It requires FCC approval in order to be legally installed in a vehicle.

Until we all realize that driving while distracted is dangerous, and change our behavior, the gruesome collision statistics will continue to pile up. No text message or call is so important that we should be risking the lives of others so that we can handle it. Yet that’s precisely what so many drivers today do, every day. How did we collectively develop such an inflated sense of importance?

Cell Coach - Distracting or Lifesaving?

In our January e-newsletter, we introduced readers to a new device on the market - the Cell Coach manufactured out of Tucson, Arizona. The Cell Coach was designed to put an end to driving while talking/texting on cell phones especially for teen drivers.

Installed under the vehicle's dashboard, the device emits a loud alert when it detects cell phone signals either from the driver making a call, answering a call or attempting to send a text message. The sound, a 90 decibel alert, is so loud and annoying that teens can't help but hang up, concentrate and drive.

Some teens that have tested out the product say that it has made them stop using their cell phones completely while driving.

If you've used this product or if you know of someone who has, we're interested in hearing if it's been helpful and whether or not the shrill sound of the alert distracts the teen driver. Also, how long does the alert sound after the teen has hung up the phone? We think this is a good idea. What do you think?

Teen Gets Jail Time for Texting...and Driving

Apparently the British are a bit harder on drivers who text than the US. Just recently, 19-year old Rachel Beggs was driving AND texting when she rear ended 64-year old Maureen Waites, almost killing her. The crash caused Waites' car to spin out of control and hit a barrier. The crash was caused by Rachel's repeated use of her mobile phone (9 times in the 15 minutes leading up to the accident) while driving 70mph in the dark.

It was her irresponsible behavior that sentenced her to four long years in prison. Looks like she learned the hard way...to keep your eyes on the road (not on your phone) at all times.

Do you think the US should enforce this on all drivers who are caught texting or talking on the phone and cause crashes?