Driver distraction is leading cause of motor vehicle crashes.
Using cellphones can distract you as a driver and have you take your eyes off the steering wheel and your mind off the road and the surrounding situation. Distracted driving is defined as operating a motor vehicle while focusing your attention elsewhere, for example on cellphones and gadgets.
Driving while talking on a cellphone is as bad as or maybe worse than driving drunk, which is completely unacceptable and should not be tolerated by society.
Drivers talking on cellphones, either handheld or hands-free, are more likely to crash because they are distracted by conversation. Researchers have found that drivers on cellphones drive more slowly, brake more slowly and are more likely to crash.
Cognitive distraction has the biggest impact on driving behaviour. There is a growing body of evidence that shows that the distraction caused by mobile phones can impair performance in a number of ways, for example longer reaction times, impaired ability to keep in the correct lane, shorter following distances and overall reduction in awareness of the driving situation.
Studies comparing cellphone usage to alcohol consumption showed that a phone conversation is comparable to driving with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08%.
Cellphones as dangerous as drunk driving
A psychology professor and the study’s lead author, David Strayer says just like you put yourself and other people at risk when you drive drunk, you put yourself and others at risk when you use a cellphone and drive. “The level of impairment is very similar,” he said.
No phone call, email, tweet or text is worth the risk.
Courtesy: Netcare Union Hospital.
Important Emergency Numbers
Netcare 911:
082 911
SAPS:
1011
Netcare Union Hospital:
011 724 2114
Injury.Prevention@netcare.co.za
For free daily local news in the south, visit our sister newspapers Alberton Record, Comaro Chronicle, Southern Courier and Get it Joburg South Magazine.
Remember to visit our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages. You can also email our offices on cvdwalt@caxton.co.za, juliem@caxton.co.za or luckyt@caxton.co.za
