Distracted Driving Research

Cell Phones are a well-known source of distraction for drivers. The impairments associated with using a cell phone behind the wheel are on par with those of drunk driving, and the US National Safety Council has implicated device usage in 26% of all vehicular crashes (Bernstein & Bernstein 1). Distracted driving is a growing public safety hazard, with the number of fatal wrecks increasing each year. Research shows that there is a great need for increasing public awareness of the potential risks associated with cell phones and other devices. Due to the proliferation of text messaging, smart phones, and interactive apps; drivers are more prone to take their eyes off of the road. This paper looks at the broad definition of distracted driving, the

The goal of these practices is to reduce the number of accidents and the likelihood of their recurrence. A study of the Traffic Injury Research Foundation in Canada shows that 66% of Canadians acknowledge that the practice of cell phone use while driving is a very serious road safety problem, however, it has very little impact on the negative behavior (Huang, et al., 367). Because of the increase, many communities, states, and countries are seeking legislative action. One such legislative act has been a ban on hand-held devices in Newfoundland, Canada. Offenders of this ban would be fined from $100 to $400, and a 4 demerit point on their driving record would be assigned (Huang, et al.). In Quebec, Canada, it is considered an offense to simply hold a cell phone on the presumption of its “use,” and in Nova Scotia, Canada, there are penalties increasing in their amount for multiple offenses ($50 for the first offense, $100 for the second, and $200 for the third and subsequent offences. In the United States, only 30 states have text messaging bans, and over 50 countries worldwide that have banned the use of cell phones while driving. Including fines for offenders, drivers who place others at risk can be charged with Careless Driving, a driver’s license suspension, and possible jail time in many provinces in Canada (Huang, et al., 368). Cellphone use while driving poses threats to the safety of drivers, their passengers, and other road users. Consequences of distracted driving has increased the need for advocates for total hand-held use while driving, and an increase in public awareness of the dangers involving distracted