The Cell Phone Debate Continues
Posted on Wed, Dec 07, 2011 @ 07:22 AM
I recently received a response to one of my blogs regarding distracted driving, specifically cell phone use by drivers of Commercial Motor Vehicles (CMV).
James, an experienced driver for Tango Transport, took exception to my call for a total ban. Like so many of my drivers he feels he’s perfectly safe provided he uses his hands-free device. He goes on to point out there are many other distractions in a CMV (or any vehicle for that matter) including satellite communication devices, CB and just the FM radio. And that is exactly my point.
Manufacturers and companies continue to install more and more technology in vehicles. Distracted driving can occur with two occupants engaged in a deep conversation with no devices involved. Distracted driving can occur just looking at the stunning driver of a passing vehicle or rubber necking at an accident scene.
It is the conversation, not the device, which causes the distraction. While many people can and do handle such situations, many do not. Distracted driving continues to contribute to more and more accidents. Hanging up the phone, especially in an 80,000 lb. (or heavier) CMV is just good policy.
I’d like to think every driver is cognizant of the inherent dangers of distracted driving (longer recognition and reaction times to hazards) and would limit unnecessary conversations while driving but anecdotal evidence suggests that’s not the case. Look around and you see people getting on their cell phones the moment they get in their vehicles and taking or making one call after another. They talk while walking around the grocery store, while fueling up, in the checkout lane in front of you. As I’ve said many times before this is a genie it is going to be very difficult to put back in the bottle.
I’d like to think every driver would tell their loved one “I’m driving, let me call you back when I get to [the truck stop, consignee, etc.]” or “If this is urgent let me find a safe place to get off the road and park and I’ll call you right back”. But we know that doesn’t happen often enough.
Just a half second of increased recognition or reaction time caused by a cell phone conversation is enough to put other motorists at risk. As professional commercial truck drivers that is contrary to our mission.
A reasonable law or regulation therefore, is both warranted and necessary. Most people don’t need a law against murder to constrain their behavior yet such laws exist. Just like drunk driving in the 70’s and 80’s, distracted driving is widely accepted and yet kills thousands of people annually. Reasonable regulations are called for to help the majority modify their behavior.
The life the regulations save may be mine… or yours.
by Kevin Mullen, Director - Safety