Phone and Text Bans On Drivers Shown Ineffective 406
shmG writes to share news of a recent study on the impact of laws which ban the use of cell phones while driving. There appears to be no reduction in accidents as a result of these laws. "The HLDI compared collisions of 100 insured vehicles per year in New York, Washington DC, Connecticut, and California — all states with currently enacted roadway text bans. Despite those laws, monthly fluctuations in crash rates didn't change after bans were enacted, [although] there were less people using devices while driving. An earlier study conducted by the HLDI reported that cellphone use was directly linked to four-fold increases in crash injuries. Also independent studies done by universities have shown correlation between driving while using a phone and crashes."
Somewhere there has to be a bad joke.... (Score:5, Funny)
shmG writes to share that according to a recent study on the impact of laws banning the use of cell phones during driving, there appears to be no reduction in accidents as a result.
"The HLDI compared collisions of 100 insured vehicles per year in New York, Washington D.C., Connecticut, and California -- all states with currently enacted roadway text bans. Despite those laws, monthly fluctuations in crash rates didn't change after bans were enacted, all though there were less people using devices while driving. An earlier study conducted by the HLDI reported that cellphone use was directly linked to four-fold increases in crash injuries. Also independent studies done by universities have shown correlation between driving while using a phone and crashes."
On some phone platforms, crashes occur regardless of whether you're driving a car or not.
Re:Somewhere there has to be a bad joke.... (Score:3, Funny)
*Runs fingers along electric keyboard to lead into a small Jazzy bit*
Thanks for joining us everybody, we are going to have a great show tonight with your host, Sethstorm.
Re:Not too surprising (Score:4, Funny)
Or mandate the use of a chauffeur. That would create some much needed jobs as well.
At the very least make it illegal to pump your own gas. New Jersey and Oregon are very progressive on that front.
Re:Not too surprising (Score:2, Funny)
Won't help. Chauffeurs are still people. What prevents them from wanting to use a phone while driving their socialites around?
Easy! We'll just mandate that all chauffeurs be both blind and deaf!
Oh, wait...
Re:Compliance Rates & Hands-Free Use (Score:5, Funny)
I agree. I'm not for blanket litigation. Just because someone does it and get in an accident doesnt mean my rights should be taken away also. I was texting on a Nokia like in 2001 when i had a 5 speed... its not so difficult. To be honest though, i liked T9 better than a full qwerty. You can do it mindlessly. But a qwerty i can see how it can be dangerous.
I find I have to stop texting when I'm racing at 120 km/hr through a generic crowded European village while being chased by English speaking killers will funny accents. It's hard to do all that while lighting a cigarette and savoring a cup of black coffee. What a way to wake up in the morning. At least, I can keep posting on Slashdot. That takes no effort at all.
Re: turtles (Score:1, Funny)
Won't help. Chauffeurs are still people. What prevents them from wanting to use a phone while driving their socialites around?
Duh! It's chauffeurs all the way down. :)
Re:Speeding is against the law, too (Score:3, Funny)
Easy Solution (Score:3, Funny)
Re:Compliance Rates & Hands-Free Use (Score:3, Funny)
All folks should not be diving while using phone.
This is the kind of blanket assumption that, if enacted in law, would unnecessarily restrict the freedom of fully capable professionals like Greg Louganis [wikipedia.org].
Re:Compliance Rates & Hands-Free Use (Score:3, Funny)
I've always thought that every car should come with exactly one missile. Since you only have one missile, you wouldn't just launch it willy-nilly. I bet the roads would get a lot safer really quickly.
Re:Compliance Rates & Hands-Free Use (Score:2, Funny)
Ron White said it best: you can't fix stupid.