An update on recent articles related to Distracted Driving:
In this update we feature two interesting pieces:
- a New York Times article raising the question of insurance and distracted driving related accidents;
- a study claiming to show just how much more dangerous mp3/entertainment devices are than cellphones when it comes to distraction
What if Insurers Didn’t Pay Up For Texting Crashes?
The ‘Bucks’ blog on the New York Times discusses a proposal that insurance companies could help prevent distracted driving if they refused to pay claims for accidents caused by distracted driving.
The article presents a number of arguments against such action, but the point is an interesting one, and it is an area that people should consider carefully.
Read the piece here: http://bucks.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/01/10/what-if-insurers-didnt-pay-for-crashes-caused-by-texting/
Distraction Dangers
Mobiledia presents findings from a Drexel University study, showing that iPods and similar music devices are twice as dangerous as cell phones for drivers.
Researchers used a computerised driving simulator to perform the small scale study, the first to analyse the effects of using MP3 players while driving. All 12 participants left their lanes, increased their speeds, and followed other cars too closely when scrolling through the iPod looking for media.
Knowing how distracting cell phones can be, it may not be surprising that using an iPod while driving can also be distracting. More surprising is the size of the effect, said researcher Dario Salvucci, pointing out that scrolling for songs on an iPod proved twice as dangerous as dialing a cell phone.
Articles like this are of particular interest here, as computer/laptop use presents the same (and more) distraction potential than mp3 players, and use of these devices is set to increase.
Read the article here: http://www.mobiledia.com/news/123163.html
Important!
This update has been brought to you by Blank-IT, the original and best in-vehicle computer distracted driving solution. To find out how we can help your company address your legislative and OH&S requirements, contact Blank-IT on +61 8 9486 7122.
