Phone and Text Bans On Drivers Shown Ineffective

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."

Comments

Flawed study...

[Fallen Kell]

Until people actually STOP using the phones while driving, you won't see a decrease in crashes. The laws need to have a much bigger stick to enforce them. Many of these are just like seatbelt laws, cops can't pull people over directly for the infraction and need another reason for stopping the person first. Then they can issue a bonus ticket because the person wasn't wearing a seatbelt or using the cell phone. The tickets need to hurt a lot more as well. Like say a $500 fine or 20 hours community service (I like the "or" in that since this will hit teenagers a lot, and they would really be just fining the parents with that $500. This way, the person who gets it can opt for the community service if they can't afford the fine, and the community as a whole benefits).