Edición Nº 32
Salvando Vidas Talking On Your Cell While Driving Produces Distractions that Could Be Very Dangerous.
By Violeta Marrero Manager Of. Special Projects
Mercedes Luna: Why has the Legislature taken measures to ensure that drivers do not talk on their hand-held cell phones while driving?
Violet Marrero: I believe the Legislature was compelled by the danger drivers expose themselves to when talking on their cell phones while behind the wheel. Driving is a complex task that takes all your attention and focus. While having both hands on the wheel is important, the danger associated with cell phone use come from a failure to scan the roadway (your eyes fixate on a point directly ahead of you so you no longer see what’s happening around you) and your brain processing information coming into your ear rather than what’s happening around you.
M. Luna: Can a person use one of those devices to talk on their cell phone while driving to keep their hands free? What are the benefits of those devices?
Violet Marrero: Under the law, you are permitted to use a hands-free device such as an ear bud or “blue tooth) while driving, however, it is important to note that just because you’re no longer holding a phone, doesn’t mean you’re safer. Studies show that driving while talking on a hands-free phone is just as distracting as driving and talking on a hand-held phone. As noted above, it’s not the act of holding the phone that’s dangerous, but a failure to scan the road with your eyes and process what’s happening around you.
M. Luna: For what reason does the Division of Highway Traffic Safety consider texting while operating a operating a motor vehicle dangerous?
Violet Marrero: The danger of texting while driving is significant. When you text, you’re using both hands which means that you’re no longer steering the car. In addition, your mind is focused on texting and not on what is happening on the road. A survey of NJ motorists conducted by Fairleigh Dickinson University’s PublicMind poll, found that drivers under 30 years of age are texting regularly when behind the wheel. While this generation may be text savvy, they must remember that driving is a complex task that takes their undivided attention. Being distracted for just a second or two could be deadly. El peligro de mandar mensajes mientras conducir es serio, estas usando sus manos, sus ojos y su mente en mandar un texto, esta completamente envuerto en su conversación y no estas poniendo atención a lo que esta pasando en la carretera.
Mercedes Luna: Is the law on cell phone use the same for adults and younger drivers with a Graduated Driver License?
Violet Marrero: A driver with an unrestricted or “basic” license is permitted to talk on a hands-free device when behind the wheel. However, a driver with a Graduated Driver License is not permitted to use any electronic device – hand-held or hands-free -- including ipods and cell phones when at the wheel. This restriction is important when you consider that the number one cause of teen crashes in our state is driver inattention and distraction.
M. Luna: Are there any exceptions to the law that would permit a driver to use their cell phone while driving?
Violet Marrero: Yes, in the event of an emergency such as a traffic crash or if the person fears for his or her personal safety, a driver is permitted to make a call to the police or an emergency responder. However, we strongly recommend that, if at all possible, the driver pull over to a place of safety to make the call.
Mercedes Luna: What recommendations can you offer the readers of Realidades about the use of cell phones while driving?
Violet Marrero: The best way to ensure your safety is to hang up -- just drive! But if you must make or take a call, do it in compliance with the law and as quickly as possible.
Prohibida la reproducción total o parcial del contenido de este web site sin autorización