Are Cell Phones and Driving Safe?

Recently there has been much discussion over the safety of cell phones and driving. Most studies have shown that using a cell phone while driving a vehicle such as a Ford Taurus or a Pontiac Firebird which can be found at a Jersey City Pontiac dealer, greatly increases the risk of an accident. However, many thousands of drivers continue the high risk activity of driving while texting or using a cell phone.

The major risk of driving while using a cell phone is the diversion of attention that occurs. Many drivers are not able to fully concentrate on driving while talking on their cell phones. The distraction of having a conversation can often take the driver off of what is happening on the road. Sometimes driving requires a fast reaction to a situation and a driver will not be able to react quickly enough.

The evidence of driving while talking on a cell phone being dangerous is staggering. A recent report by the National Highway and Traffic Safety Agency showed that the use of mobile devices accounted for 25 percent of all traffic accidents. The Virginia Tech Transportation Institute performed a study in July of 2009 that showed that texting while driving increased the risk of an accident by over 23 times. The National Safety Council found that 1.6 million accidents per year are caused by drivers texting or talking on cell phones.

There are many more studies that confirm how risky driving while talking on a cell phone really is. If you are going to speak on the phone while driving, it is best to use a hands free device like a Bluetooth or other type of headset. Other risky activities while driving include eating or unwrapping food or other items, applying makeup while driving, watching a GPS map, reading, and basically anything that takes most of your attention away from driving.