The Dangers of Distracted Driving

Cell Phones and Other Distractions

Today, few people go anywhere without a mobile phone. Unfortunately, many people can't resist the temptation to check their email or send texts while driving. In fact, the National Safety Council reports that a cell phone-related vehicle crash takes place every 30 seconds, with more than 350,000 collisions occurring so far this year alone. Although Massachusetts law bans texting and driving for all drivers, individuals over age 18 are permitted to talk on cell phones while driving. There are, however, several proposed laws pending before state lawmakers to ban all handheld devices for all drivers.

Cell phones aren't the only example of distracted driving. Anything that compromises a motorist's ability to drive safely qualifies as a distraction. Examples of common distractions include:

• Applying makeup
• Shaving
• Eating
• Reading
• Arguing with a passenger
• Glancing in the backseat
• Reaching down to retrieve something from the floor

Even listening to music can be a distraction if it leads a driver to neglect the road. Unfortunately, it often takes an accident to show someone just how dangerous it is to talk (or text) and drive.