In an effort to prevent distracted driving, the state of Nevada has tightened its belt on laws governing cell phone use while driving. The state of Nevada banned texting while driving under any circumstance and limits the use of cell phones to hands-free devices.
Despite the strict laws, people throughout the state continue to not only talk on handheld cell phones but also to send and receive text messages while driving. The act of text messaging while driving is especially dangerous and can result in serious vehicle accidents and death.
In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 15 people are killed and more than 1,200 others are injured in accidents involving distracted drivers every single day.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration created the Driver Distraction Program to address driver distraction and eliminate crashes. Among the “distractions” discussed are portable devices that allow drivers to make calls, send text messages, get directions and choose from various music and entertainment options.
The Driver Distraction Program has four goals:
- Improve the understanding of the problem by enhancing ways to collect and analyze data
- Minimize workload
- Develop technologies that will keep drivers and passengers safe
- Educate drivers about the risks of distracted driving
In the meantime, some states have enacted laws to prevent people from talking on handheld devices and/or text messaging while driving. But, still, this may not be working for many.
The CDC reports that 25 percent of drivers in the U.S. say they talk on their cell phones while they are driving “regularly or fairly often” and 9 percent of drivers say they text message “regularly or fairly often” while driving.
Seventy-five perfect of drivers between the ages 18-29 admitted to talking on their cell phones at least once in the last 30 days and 52 percent admitted to texting while driving at least once in the past 30 days.
With all the advances in technology, it is easier than ever before to connect with friends and family wherever we are, no matter what we are doing. But, despite the convenience, these devices can distract our drivers and cause serious accidents and death.
Resources for More Information:
CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/transportationsafety/distracted_driving/index.html
GHSA: https://www.ghsa.org/state-laws/issues/distracted%20driving