Tag Archive: Distracted driving

Passengers Can Be More Helpful Than Distracting

October 17, 2014

As a driving school instructor, while discussing driver distractions, I’ve often been asked “What’s the difference between talking on a cell phone and talking with a passenger?” My answer has always been that the person on the cell phone can’t say “Watch out for that car up ahead!” Also, unlike the person on the other end of the cell phone, the passenger can stop talking when he or she recognizes that the driver is facing a difficult driving situation. Now the scientific evidence is in proving that my answer was correct.

Researchers at the University of Illinois observed drivers while negotiating through different driving situations such as merging and encountering unpredictable drivers on a simulated course.

They observed the drivers under four different scenarios:

Driver alone,
Driver speaking to a passenger,
Driver speaking to someone on a hands-free mobile device,
Driver speaking to someone who could see the driver and observe the driving scene via hands-free videophone.

The research showed that (no surprise) driving alone was safest because it allowed the driver to operate without any distractions. However, when driving with passengers who could observe the driving environment, especially one who had driving experience of their own, they found the passengers could be quite helpful. Just as in my answer to my students, they found that the passenger could help in navigating, moderate their conversation when driving was difficult, and warn of hazards ahead.

Again, no surprises here, they found that drivers talking on a cell phone were more likely to be involved in a crash.

The big surprise to the researchers was the results of drivers talking to someone outside the car on a video relay where the other person could see both the driver and the driving scene. In those situations, the outside person acted similarly to passengers inside the car as far as picking up on the driving hazards ahead and moderating their conversation.

Google Glass No Safer Than Smart Phones While Driving

October 9, 2014

We have written about the dangers of Google Glass before but our warning was basically just pure speculation based on years of experience in driving safety and distracted driving issues. Now the research data is in! Researchers from the University of Central Florida and the Air Force Research Laboratory conducted a study on the use of Google Glass while driving and the results aren’t at all surprising.

The researchers set up an experiment with 40 test subjects in their 20s and tested their ability to drive on a simulated driving course. The subjects were tested with both Google Glass and a smartphone. The results showed that Google Glass is no safer to use than a smartphone when it comes to avoiding a collision.

This study comes on the heels of another study released last week that shows that voice activated hands-free mobile devices such as Apple’s Siri are no safer than a hand-held cell phone while driving and, in fact, can be even more distracting.

Several states have passed laws banning the use of Google Glass while driving and more are considering it. Earlier this year a California driver successfully fought a ticket she was issued for using Google Glass while driving because there was, at that time, no law against it.

Center For Disease Control Provide Shocking New Figures On Distracted Driving

March 6, 2014

The Center For Disease Control CDC released new figures on distracted driving and they are high! At least nine people a day are killed and more than a thousand are injured in distracted driving crashes but the figures don’t tell the whole story. Read more: http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/dr-gridlock/wp/2014/02/24/distracted-driving-9-die-1060-hurt-each-day-cdc-says/

The BOLT Driven to Distraction Infographic

April 2, 2012

The BOLT Driven to Distraction Infographic explains through images the dangers of distractions while you are driving. Every time you get behind the wheel, you are faced with many potential distractions from the radio, to your passengers, your cellphone, to your fast food. All of these distractions can add up to disaster in a split second. In 2009, from driver distractions nearly 5,500 people were killed, and another 448,000 were injured. Presented as an infographic (created for BOLT by Infographic World) to help you more easily visualize and retain this important information on the dangers and risks of driving while distracted!

Driven to Distraction Infographic

Via: Bolt Insurance

Make your Trip to School a Safe One

October 5, 2011

Word’s out: summer’s officially over. Other than the nationwide-groans from kids, there’s also something else to be concerned about: children’s safety. These kids may be in their preschool years, or they may be at the driving age — bottom line is: pedestrian safety is a still a genuine concern.

Here are some tips both for parents and children to make their daily trip to school a safe one:

Parents should have a talk with their children regarding safety. For the younger kids, parents should be giving out more specific advice than “don’t talk to strangers.” These talks can and should also include the following topics: looking left to right before crossing, crossing/getting off the bus only where it is allowed or with adult supervision and numbers to call should they find themselves lost. For the older kids, maybe it’s time to introduce a Parent-Teen Driving Contract — to put down in paper what is specifically not allowed in the scope of their driving privilege/responsibility.
Drive carefully. Be the example for your children. Always buckle your seat belt before driving, remove all distractions from the vehicle and always obey traffic signs or lights. Always keep the vehicle maintained so it doesn’t break down and the kids (or you!) won’t get late.
If the school is within walking distance from the home, parents should survey the route their children take. Is there a “walking school bus” (a group of kids on their way to school accompanied by an adult from the neighborhood) near the area where you live?
For parents and teen drivers: always be aware of school zones. The penalties of going too fast or driving up where you’re not supposed to is even greater than when you’re on the road — even worse, you may get in an accident. Remember that there is a speed limit of 25mph in school zones which apply before and after school hours.
Have fun: school may end up being the best time for children, and a fond memory for parents. Making sure you and your family is safe ensures that you’ll cherish the moment more.