SA:- CELLULAR PHONES CAUSE MORE VEHICLE ACCIDENTS

CELLULAR PHONES CAUSE MORE VEHICLE ACCIDENTS

It's common knowledge that the number one cause of work-related fatalities is vehicle accidents. Talking on the phone while driving is a contributing factor to many serious traffic accidents. It is difficult to adequately concentrate on driving while you are engaged in a conversation. Add such factors as rain or fog to the distraction of a phone call, and the chance for a collision increases

Deadly consequences

Serious problems can result when you are engrossed in phone conversations while driving.

• You may run a red light or a stop sign

• You may take a wrong turn or make a wider turn into oncoming traffic. - You may over steer left or right and lose control of your vehicle.

• You may not see a dangerous situation and strike an animal or a pedestrian.

Now, a new technology threatens to increase the accident potential for drivers. In more and more companies, cellular phones are being used by construction, service and delivery personnel, as well as by management levels. According to study, the use of a cellular phone while driving increases the risk of having an accident four-fold. Another study found that having a cellular phone in a vehicle increased the risk of being involved in an accident, an increase in the number of complaints about drivers talking on their cellular phones while operating a vehicle. Critics of these studies argue that the research is poor and does not make a decisive connection. Besides, having a cellular telephone in the car can be an advantage when used to call emergency services. What do you think? 

Reported Hazards Associated With Cellular Phones: 

• Users are said to be distracted from defensive driving practices, and less responsive to highway traffic situations. When they do react, their response time is said to be longer. 
• People on the phone are more likely to have intense conversations that involve problem-solving-which is more distracting than shooting the breeze with a passenger. 
• Passengers in the car often alert drivers to dangerous situation, and stop talking at such times, in contrast to someone on the other end of the line who is unaware of the traffic situation. 
• Cell phone users may be concentrating on dialing a number or handling the equipment and fail to notice a stop light, traffic sign, or a vehicle in front of them. 
• Not only the driver on the phone, but other drivers on the roadway are at increased risk if a cell phone user is the ultimate cause of an accident. 

Talking and driving don’t mix

The best defense against accidents caused by distractions is prevention. If you don’t let any other activity interfere with your driving, there’s less chance for a crash. However, if you must talk on your mobile phone, there is only one safe way to do so; stop the car safely on the side of the road as far away from traffic as possible, and then place or receive a call. Remember, mobile phones are a distraction no matter what type you use ( hands free or hand held ).

Safe rule while using Cell Phone 

To make your day a little safer and your life a little easier, here are some cell phone safety tips: 

1. Try to place calls while your vehicle is stationary / Safe Place.
2. Use a "hands-free" or speaker phone accessory. Not only does this allow you to keep your hands on the wheel / handle and your eyes on the road, but using a hands-free kit keeps the phone further from your head reducing exposure to the alleged tumor-causing radiation.
3. Never read or write text messages while driving. Taking your eyes off the road for a second or two can result in a collision. Pull over to the side of the road if you must text.
4. Program frequently called numbers into your phone's memory allowing you to keep dialing to a minimum.
5. If you must dial when the car is moving, hold the phone at eye level so you will have a clear view of the road.
6. Do not make emotional phone calls while driving as you will be focused primarily on the call rather than your driving.
7. Never read or write while riding/driving. If you must write a note or take down a phone number during a conversation, PULL OVER!
8. Make sure your phone is within easy reach while driving.  
9. Be careful when pulling over to place calls. To avoid being a crime victim, do not stop in dangerous areas and keep your car doors locked.  
10. If your phone is connected to your car's power source, disconnect your phone before using jumper cables. The power surge could damage your phone.

If you see other drivers talking on a cellphone while driving, increase your following distance and remain alert.

Safety Reminders For Cell Phone Users: 

• Keep conversations short and sweet. Develop ways to get free of long-winded friends and associates while on the road. Don't use the cell phone for social visiting. 
• Hang up in tricky traffic situations-without warning if necessary. Safe driving takes precedence over telephone etiquette. You can explain later-- because you'll still be alive! 
• Resist dialing a number while on the move in heavy traffic whenever possible; wait until you are at a traffic light or stop sign. 
• Keep even more distance between you and the car ahead of you than normally recommended. 
• Consider using a "hands-free" speakerphone system, so you can keep your hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road-- and still keep talking. These speakerphones are available for many popular telephone models. Some states have proposed legislation that requires use of these devices. 

All drivers are at risk of having a vehicle accident before, during or after work, and the use of a cell phone may increase this risk. Concentrate on the above reminders! Don't become a statistic!