We know it's stupid to text while driving. But we still do it. So many people still do it in fact, that it is a huge issues on our roads. Here's an excellent article all about what our American counterparts are doing in an effort to stop their citizens from taking their eyes and concentration off the wheel.
One idea is the use of a 'Textalyser', which would allow police to determine whether a smartphone found in a car had recently been in use, and fines could be implemented based on this evidence. Pennsylvania has recently introduced Daniel's Law, named for Daniel Gallatin, a father, grandfather, military veteran, and fireman of nearly 40 years who was killed in May of 2013 when his motorcycle was struck from behind by someone who was texting while driving. Daniel's law heavily increases the penalties for using a cellphone behind the wheel.
Four states in America still haven't banned the use of cellphones behind the wheel, and all allow the use of handsfree devices, despite evidence showing usage of these is almost as bad as their hand-held counterparts.
There isn't a lot of clear evidence as to whether any of this is working, or will work, and the article argues that perhaps we should wait for self-driving cars to come to our rescue. It seems that these 'automatic' vehicles are to be our ultimate saving grace.
3179 deaths in America in 2014 were able to be attributed to distracted driving - and it's agreed this is probably conservative. We know New Zealand's stats aren't so rosy either. So please, when you're on the road this holiday period (and after that!) just wait to look at your phone. A delayed reply is better than one that never comes.
From all of us here at Fleetcoach - happy holidays, and drive safely!
