Danger, Will Robinson, Danger!!

This personal viewpoint article explores the dangers of distracted driving – whether an automobile or bicycle – caused by many of the technological gadgets that many people are using today. An estimated 30% of all crashes involve some type of driver distraction. The author reports on a recent survey of Maryland motorists that found drivers using cell phones were more likely to engage in other unsafe behaviors such as speeding, careless driving, jumping a red light, and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The author then expands these concerns to discuss text messaging, which she maintains is a dangerous trend involving inattentiveness and poor choices. Pedestrians using cellular phones are more likely to step into oncoming traffic, a driver engaged in text messaging is not looking at the road, even bicyclists are texting while they are moving in traffic. The author continues to cite various research studies, auto safety groups, and experts in this field to support her message of the dangers of driver distraction. The article includes a list of five tips for avoiding unsafe use of cell phones and texting while driving. Readers are referred to a website for an up-to-date listing of state laws regarding text messaging and other cell phone use while driving (www.iihs.org/laws/cellphonelaws.aspx). Another website is recommended for helping young drivers develop safe driving behaviors (www.nationwidesmartride.com).

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/issn/10787496
• Authors:
  • Bennett, Vicki J
• Publication Date: 2009-4

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Print
• Features: References;
• Pagination: pp 111-113
• Serial:
  • Journal of Trauma Nursing
  • Volume: 16
  • Issue Number: 2
  • Publisher: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins
  • ISSN: 1078-7496
  • EISSN: 1932-3883
  • Serial URL: http://journals.lww.com/journaloftraumanursing/pages/default.aspx

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Attention; Automobile drivers; Cellular telephones; Cyclists; Distraction; High risk drivers; Laws and legislation; Multitasking; Pedestrians; Risk assessment; Text messaging
• Uncontrolled Terms: Distracted drivers
• Subject Areas: Highways; Pedestrians and Bicyclists; Safety and Human Factors; I83: Accidents and the Human Factor;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01324114
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Dec 30 2010 7:31AM