KPLU Local News
(2010-06-07)
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This new law is the state's second try at targeting drivers who choose to talk or text on their phones. First, Washington State put a law on the books that made it possible for law enforcement to ticket someone for talking on their phone if they were caught doing something else, like running a red light, or swerving down the road. Sergeant Freddy Williams with the Washington State Patrol says this approach hasn't really worked out so well.
"We've had troopers driving down the road, and people with cell phones right up to their ear. They'd look right over tat the trooper and keep on talking because they knew that without another violation, and enforcement couldn't do anything."
Researchers say there is a lot of risk behind the wheel these days. David Strayer is a Professor of Psychology at the University of Utah. He studies the effects new technology has on human behavior. According to Strayer, 1/3 of all traffic accidents involve some sort of wireless communication. He says talking on the phone while driving is the equivalent to driving drunk.
"The crash risk of when you're talking on a cell phone is about the same as if you were driving at a .08 blood alcohol level."
And drivers who are texting are the same as someone who is close to blacking out. But if we put the phone down, put both hands on the wheel and talk on a hands free device, it's a lot safer, right?
Strayer says this is not the case.
"There's no safety advantage, whatsoever for using a hands free cell phone."
According to Strayer, talking on a phone while driving, whether held by a hand or hands free, causes "Inattention Blindness."
"People looking out the windshield, but not noticing if a traffic light has changed, or that a vehicle has slowed down in front of them or that a child has stepped out into the street. That happens for people on a hand held phone and a hands free phone at the exact same rates"
Researchers expect "Inattention Blindness" to spread as devices get smaller and can do more whiz bang stuff. Strayer says his new concern is Apple's I-Pad, which can be installed on the dashboard of a car and can stream movies and play video games.
Luckily, listening to the radio hasn't been found to be a harmful distraction. And one thing that is statistically proven to make you safer on the road is to drive with a passenger. Not only can you have a conversation, but the extra eyes and ears can help you see dangerous situations you otherwise might miss.
Jennifer Wing KPLU News, Seattle
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More Information
Dr. Strayer - Dying to Text articleNY Times - Text-Blocking Apps
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