The studies performed by the National Safety Council have revealed that the increase in fatalities this past year reached 6%. The Council also revealed that motor vehicle deaths last year are the highest in the country over the past nine years. Safety officials cite the following reasons for the increase in fatalities over the past year. First and foremost, they are laying blame with texting and other smartphone apps. Though the study indicates that texting has been an issue for more than two years, it appears that many people have become lenient and careless with their texting habits and behavior patterns thereby contributing to the increased number of deaths resulting from texting of late.
In addition to texting, the studies revealed that talking on the phone as opposed to texting, is a tremendous distraction and certainly has played a significant role in the increased death statistics over the past year as well. Is it any wonder that the National Safety Council is now seeking a full ban on the use of cell phones whether typical talking on a phone, hands free calling and talking or texting of any kind.
Yet another primary factor in the increased fatality numbers has been that of speeding. As we all know, speed can surely cause serious injuries and yes, even death. These same studies indicated that driving at excess speeds did, in fact, contribute to a large number of deaths over the past year as did driving drunk while speeding as well. In addition, the lack of seat belt laws in many states has also played a significant role in the number of deaths on the roads and highways in 2016. Many states do not require the use of seat belts in both front and back seats while in other states the seat belt laws are secondary to another offense. We all know that wearing seat belts saves lives, but if there is no law in place, making the use of seat belts mandatory, then surely the number of deaths that can and will occur when not wearing seat belts is apt to be increased.
Overall, there have been many studies conducted that have confirmed that the increase in traffic deaths is definitely the result of multiple elements, with one of the greatest culprits being that of hand texting. Let’s face it. When you receive a text message and choose to read it, surely your eyes are taken off the road for at least a good few seconds. Should you decide to respond to that text then your typed response keeps you occupied and your eyes off of the road for yet an additional 7-10 seconds. It’s clear to see how deaths can occur when texting while driving.
As for voice texting, surely it is much safer than that of texting by hand, but still is remarkably distracting as well. Bottom line – don’t text and drive because the potential results can most assuredly be fatal as has been the case for an increased number of drivers and even innocent pedestrians over the past year. Texting while driving is without a doubt the number one culprit for many fatalities over the past year and is sure to continue to play a significant role in the number of deaths in the years ahead. Be practical, be safe, be alive – don’t text and drive!!!
No comments:
Post a Comment