There has been considerable discussion in the media regarding the appropriateness of imposing a ban on all use of handheld electronic devices while driving. The media coverage is understandable given the recent recommendation by the National Traffic Safety Board (NTSB) that all states implement a complete ban on the use of portable electronic devices. While the NTSB cannot pass mandatory regulations, it is influential with lawmakers and regulators so a complete ban on texting while driving and talking on a cell phone while driving might be right around the corner. The problem is that the focus on cell phones and handheld devices obscures to significance of other types of distracted driving.
The key is that proponents of safety regulations not lose focus on the much broader danger of distracted driving because they are focused on the narrow role of mobile communication devices. A common example of distracted driving that may be more prevalent and cause more accidents is eating and drinking while driving. While cell phones are getting most of the publicity, a study conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration found that a staggering eighty percent of all auto accidents and 65 percent of all near misses involve some form of eating or drinking while driving. The study emphasizes the risk of rear end accidents or single car accidents where drivers fail to negotiate a curve safely because they are manually and visually distracted.
Coffee is the absolute worst item to consume while driving according to the study. Cups of coffee can be easily spilled, and the scorching liquid often distracts drivers from the road. Other foods like burgers that have messy sauces are also prone to cause accidents because drivers often are distracted by sauces and other condiments falling into their lap. It is interesting to note that while a universal ban on the use of mobile phones and portable handheld devices is being proposed, the television and radio continue to be filled with advertisements for fast food restaurants offering drive thru options. The hamburger chain In and Out goes even further specifically asking drivers if they will be eating their food in their car and packaging the food for such consumption.
This is not to suggest that concerns about portable electronic devices are not well founded. The point is that there are many other types of driving distractions that may be more dangerous that seem to be ignored. Some of these types of driver distraction include the following:
- Putting on makeup
- Reading books and newspapers
- Studying GPS devices
- Reaching inside a vehicle for an object
- Adjusting car stereos
- Grooming (i.e. brushing one’s hair)
Some might argue that mobile phone use while driving is an easier practice to target but the prominence of drive thru restaurants would seem to undermine this argument. Distracted driving in any form is unsafe and causes many serious injuries and fatalities in distracted driving accidents throughout Mississippi. The experienced Mississippi distracted driving auto accident attorneys at Barrett Law have been providing tenacious representation to victims of distracted driving for over 75 years. We provide diligent legal representation and impassioned advocacy so we invite you to call us today at 662-834-2376 to learn how we can help.