Distracted driving has reached epidemic proportions in Connecticut. In the United States, it has become one of the leading causes of car wrecks. With new technology, there are ways to start reducing senseless deaths and injuries from distracted diving. A complete redefinition of acceptable social behavior is in order. What America did to make seat belt use the norm, must now be done to reduce distracted driving.
Joel Feldman, founder of the End Distracted Driving campaign, gives presentations around the country about the dangers of distracted driving. His 21-year-old daughter Casey is tragically killed by a distracted driver while on the crosswalk. Since then, he has dedicated his life to educating and advocating to reduce distracted driving and spreading awareness of its dangers. On behalf of End Distracted Driving, I’ve given presentations at local high schools – the students seem to understand and appreciate the problem and the need for immediate change. The rest of the driver population should do the same.
In 2021, there were more than 5,400 accidents as a result of distracted driving. In a AAA Traffic Safety study, 84% of drivers recognized that being distracted by a cell phone while driving was unacceptable, but 36% of the same drivers admitted to using their phone while driving during the previous month. Unfortunately, texting and driving have become the norm.
Seat belt use is made acceptable by education, manufacturer compliance, and law enforcement. The same can be done for distracted driving.
There is technology available to help eliminate cell phone use in moving vehicles. There are apps that can be downloaded to smartphones that block texts and calls while the car is in motion, further eliminating any temptation for drivers to check their phones while driving.
CellControl DriveID is a device that attaches to the windshield to prevent the driver from sending or receiving text messages. It can also block emails and smartphone cameras. AT&T DriveMode activates when the driver’s vehicle reaches 15 mph, blocking text alerts. Apple’s Do Not Disturb While Driving mode blocks incoming calls and texts when the user’s iPhone senses that the car is moving or is connected to the car via Bluetooth. There is much more. LifeSaver is designed for families and fleets. It automatically senses while you’re driving, blocks text notifications, and disables other phone features while the car is in motion, like using email or accessing the camera.
It’s probably only a matter of time before car insurance companies offer reduced rates for those with such devices — just as they did years ago with the introduction of seat belts. Of course there is no reason to wait.
Every driver should try to complete calls or texts before starting the vehicle. Preparation is crucial. Parents should remember not to contact children if you know they are driving. Perhaps unsurprisingly, teen drivers receive most calls from their parents, more so than general communication patterns would suggest. Finally, for parents, it is very important to set a good example. Your child views you as a driver, so practice safe driving yourself.
Attorney John F. Buckley Jr. is a partner in New Haven-based Buckley Wine & Bars. He can be contacted at 203-776-2278 or [email protected].