Healthy choices: distracted driving
Introduction
Cell phones are ubiquitous in our world today. They are considered by some to be integral in
one’s ability to connect, collaborate, and accomplish tasks for work. We are more connected then ever, but that is
not necessarily a good thing. An unintended
consequence of cell phones and mobile technology is
distracted driving which is claiming thousands of lives a year.
I.
Distracted driving is becoming and epidemic in
our country
A.
Statistics point to texting/ phones while
driving is more dangerous then driving when intoxicated. Perhaps this is because there are more cell
phones and electronics in people’s hands then alcohol or drugs.
2. More people have access to
technology then alcohol, some have the mentality that it will “only be a second
and it won’t happen to me”
B.
White House Executive Order
1. All
Federal Employees shall not engage in text messaging when driving a government
vehicle or when driving while on official government business. (http://www.fcc.gov/encyclopedia/distracted-driving
)
2. Not
just sending and receiving text messages, any phone usage (GPS, games, etc)
3. Some
studies point to men using phones more then women while driving. Why, I wonder? (http://eprints.qut.edu.au/32091/1/c32091.pdf
)
II.
Prevention
A.
Laws have been changed
1.
No electronics for commercial drivers
2.
However it is hard to crack down on electronic
use
B.
Arrive Alive national program
2. Have
a talk with your kids/ family and tell then about the dangers of distracted
driving. They should never do it and
they should say something if they are in the car with someone who is doing it.
III. Evaluation
of Proposed Solutions/ Programs
A.
Shocking video or photos of consequences of the
choice
1. Shock
factor is definitely there, but perhaps hard to identify with
2. Capitalizes
on fear not education
B.
Family is the best target to get
1. Bottom
line is that it starts in the family, kids see parents on phones in the car,
they will mimic that behavior
2. Scary
videos or pictures can shock people into changing, but it is to easy to remove
oneself and say, “that can’t happen to me”
3. It’s
important to change our culture and behavior.
Think of picking your nose in public (okay, rethink that example)
Conclusion
Distracted driving, specifically phone use is big problem in
our country. Distracted driving is 100%
preventable and causes thousands of unnecessary deaths per year in our country.
Our federal government,
public service organizations, lawmakers, cell phone companies and other stakeholders
are launching aggressive campaigns to inform and prevent cellphone use in
vehicles
