Friday, July 31, 2009
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Virginia Tech cell phone research on driving distraction
New data from Virginia Tech Transportation Institute provides insight into cell phone use and driving distraction
Combined, these studies continuously observed drivers for more than 6 million miles of driving. VTTI’s studies that included light vehicle drivers and truck drivers, manual manipulation of phones such as dialing and texting of the cell phone lead to a substantial increase in the risk of being involved in a safety-critical event such as a crash or near-crash. However, talking or listening increased risk much less for light vehicles and not at all for trucks. Text messaging on a cell phone was associated with the highest risk of all cell phone related tasks.
Combined, these studies continuously observed drivers for more than 6 million miles of driving. VTTI’s studies that included light vehicle drivers and truck drivers, manual manipulation of phones such as dialing and texting of the cell phone lead to a substantial increase in the risk of being involved in a safety-critical event such as a crash or near-crash. However, talking or listening increased risk much less for light vehicles and not at all for trucks. Text messaging on a cell phone was associated with the highest risk of all cell phone related tasks.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
U.S. withheld data on risks of distracted driving
Read article in New York Times (MSNBC) on research conducted by NSTSA on use of cell phones while driving.
In 2003, researchers at a federal agency proposed a long-term study of 10,000 drivers to assess the safety risk posed by cellphone use behind the wheel.
They sought the study based on evidence that such multitasking was a serious and growing threat on America’s roadways.
But such an ambitious study never happened. And the researchers’ agency, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, decided not to make public hundreds of pages of research and warnings about the use of phones by drivers — in part, officials say, because of concerns about angering Congress.
More here.
In 2003, researchers at a federal agency proposed a long-term study of 10,000 drivers to assess the safety risk posed by cellphone use behind the wheel.
They sought the study based on evidence that such multitasking was a serious and growing threat on America’s roadways.
But such an ambitious study never happened. And the researchers’ agency, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, decided not to make public hundreds of pages of research and warnings about the use of phones by drivers — in part, officials say, because of concerns about angering Congress.
More here.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Local teen killed in car crash
“This is certainly a tragedy,” said WCSO Chief Deputy Bruce Wright. “He was a senior at Monroe Area High. If anything is learned from this, it should be that it is important for everyone to wear their seat belt.” Click here for more information.
Monday, April 6, 2009
New Device Prevents Driving While Using Cell Phone
A new automobile ignition key can prevent teenagers and others from talking on cell phones or sending text messages while driving.
Invented by researchers at the University of Utah, the system is called Key2SafeDriving and is aimed at cutting down on road deaths. It relies on Bluetooth technology to wirelessly connect keys to phones. Click here for more...
Invented by researchers at the University of Utah, the system is called Key2SafeDriving and is aimed at cutting down on road deaths. It relies on Bluetooth technology to wirelessly connect keys to phones. Click here for more...
Monday, March 30, 2009
USA Today article on limiting drivers' cell phone use
More than 250 bills prohibiting or restricting cellphone use while driving are pending in 42 state legislatures despite disagreement over the risks cellphones pose and the effectiveness of enforcement. Read more here...
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