Report Links Distracted Driving and Accidents…

I used to joke with folks when they said, “Drive safe or be careful”, I would respond, I am going to drive fast and take lots of chances… I no longer joke like that, now I say, I am going to drive fast and do lots of different things, send faxes, watch a movie, check in with Facebook, talk on the phone… no in all seriousness, there is a major problem out there.

A Harris Interactive recently conducted a poll on behalf of Nationwide Mutual Insurance of 1,000 drivers indicated 38 percent of drivers have been either been hit or nearly hit by car or truck drivers who were testing or talking on a cell phone.

An unscientific poll conducted by yours truly indicates to me that 8 out of 10 drivers on the road driving with me daily are actively engaged in distracted driving, whether on the cell phone, GAPS, testing or their radio.

The Harris study goes on to talk about the technology in the cars themselves, but that is really not the issue with respect to distracted driving, the issue is education.   I am convinced if more states required driver programs and more businesses required company driver training, there would be fewer issues on the roadways related to distracted driving.   Individual drivers need to understand when they drive, they should be driving.

What phone call, text or email is so important it puts your life and the lives of those around you at risk?

Think about it… hang up and drive and drive friendly!