DRIVEN TO ACCITRACTION

DRIVEN TO ACCITRACTION
by Wayne Patterson

I can remember when all we had to worry about while driving
were the speedometer and fuel gauge. Today our vehicles are
crammed with electronic devices such as GPS systems, cell
phones, television sets, and laptop computers. The cab of
an eighteen wheeler truck now resembles the cockpit of an
airliner with switches, gauges, lights and computerized
instruments. The result is that many traffic fatalities
can be attributed to what I call "accitraction" ( a traffic
accident that is the result of driver distraction). The
current estimate is that between twenty to thirty percent
of all traffic accidents are caused by distractions such
as eating, talking on a cell phone, or simply changing
radio stations.



The response by government has been predictable with loud
demands from many in politics and the press for a ban on
cell phones while driving. New York State has taken the
lead and cell phone use while driving is now illegal in
that state. Similar legislation is pending in other areas.
Cell phones appear to be the next "politically correct"
target for the lawyer/politicians now that they have spent
all of the tobacco money. I expect that restaurants will
soon be required to have no cell phone designated areas.
Actually that may not be a bad idea.


Starting in January of 2003 the federal government will
require all states to track the number of accidents caused
by drivers being distracted by electronic devices. Installing a car lift . These
statistics or statistractions will be used to determine
if these devices are really a serious safety problem.
Meanwhile manufacturers and engineers are developing more
electronic devices designed to increase safety. free ipod podcasts. An example
is a computer that would prevent access to a cell phone, TV,
or GPS mapping system if the driver was in extremely congested
traffic. We are now developing computers to prevent us from
using other computers - go figure. One system that is very
promising would sound a warning if a biometric sensor detected
that the driver was drowsy.


Until these new devices are available I do have a few suggestions.
Get up early enough in the morning to eat breakfast or apply
makeup without having to perform these tasks while rushing to
work in your car. Then get up fifteen minutes earlier so you
do not have to rush to work. If you use a cell phone, wait
until you can pull over at a safe area before returning calls
and taking notes. Today's traffic with increased speeds and
congestion require that you remain alert while at the wheel.
Don't let a distraction cause an accitraction and you won't
become a statistraction.



Wayne is a successful construction company owner and former
police officer. He writes on a variety of safety and traffic
issues with emphasis on the trucking industry.
www.speedingticketcentral.com