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Cell Phone Users and Lawmakers: The Battle Heats Up

The battle lines have been drawn and the debate over a driver's right to talk on a cell phone while behind the wheel is heating up. In March 2000, Lebanon, PA became the fourth U.S. community to ban the use of hand-held cell phones while driving. Lebanon joins two other Pennsylvania towns, Conshochocken and Hilltown, which also ban hand-held cell phones. In 1999, Pennsylvania and 14 other states proposed bills to restrict cell phone usage while driving. To date, 34 states have considered bans on cell phones but none have been successful. Both the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) are against the ban saying that education, not legislation is the key to reducing traffic accidents and making our roads safer.

Currently only three states have laws regarding cellular phone use when driving but none have banned their use entirely. If passed, Pennsylvania's cell phone law would ban drivers from using cell phones, including hands-free and voice-activated models, while driving on all federal and state roads. Those who violate this law would face fines of up to $250 and would receive points on their licenses. Emergency personnel including police, fire and ambulance crews would be exempt from this law, as would those placing 911 calls.

The debate over cell phones began in 1997 when the New England Journal of Medicine published the results of a 14-month study which tracked nearly 700 drivers involved in accidents causing property damage and who were cell phone users. Over 26,798 cellular calls were logged during the 14 months. Researchers discovered that the risk of an accident was four-times greater when cell phones were used. Interestingly, the study found that the risk of an accident increased when users were talking on the phone and not when they were dialing or answering the phone. Researchers speculate that the types of conversations people have are a contributing factor to this surprising discovery. In light of this finding, opponents of cell phones feel that voice-activated and hands-free units should also be banned.

In recent years there have been several lawsuits against individuals who caused serious car accidents while using their cell phones. One accident resulting in a lawsuit involved the death of a 2-year-old Hilltown, PA, girl who was killed when a driver, who was using a phone, ran a stop sign and hit the car she was riding in. Many people believe that deadly accidents like this one along with information researchers have published should be enough to push lawmakers into passing legislation banning cell phones while driving.

Used responsibly cell phones can serve as a vital link between drivers and emergency personnel. Nationwide, cell phones account for more than 90,000 emergency 911 calls everyday. Phones can help drivers communicate traffic problems, like accidents or traffic jams and the exact location of drunk drivers. In the case of medical emergencies, EMS workers can quickly be alerted to the location of those needing help. Faster response times may mean more lives saved. Advocates argue that if cell phones are taken away from drivers these benefits would be lost.

Since few states track cell phone usage as a contributing cause of accidents, there is no conclusive data. In response to this, Pennsylvania Governor Tom Ridge recently added a section for cell phone usage on all police accident reports. Better tracking methods will help both cell phone advocates and opponents get a clear picture of the effects phones have on driving and help to determine whether any laws restricting their use should be passed.

Regardless of whether a ban on cell phones is imposed, it is clear that motorists should use caution when driving and talking on a cell phone. While lawmakers and industry groups debate this issue, drivers can take a few simple steps to reduce the risk of an accident while using a phone.

• Stop your car and pull onto the side of the road if you need to make or answer a call. If you are driving with a passenger, have your passenger answer your phone.

• Avoid making unnecessary calls.

• Consider purchasing a hands-free or voice-activated unit.

• If you end up talking and driving, try to keep conversations short and avoid emotional discussions so your focus can stay on the road.

A car traveling 55 mph travels the length of a football field in 3.7 seconds- less than the time it takes to place a phone call. Stay alert and be on the lookout for stop signs, traffic lights, passing motorists and other road hazards. Be aware of any changes that occur in your driving or on the road. If you are traveling on a highway which has two or more lanes, travel in the lane with the slowest moving traffic to avoid creating problems with other drivers.

In a matter of seconds an accident can occur. However, the aftermath of an accident, including injuries, can linger for a lifetime. If you have been injured in an accident we may be able to help. Contact us today for a free consultation