A whole generation of devices and in car infotainment systems already in use are part of the deadly distracted driving problem, with many more under development.
A new study from the National Safety Council (NSC) shows that government statistics on the extent of the Distracted Driving problem are deeply flawed, defy common sense and severely underestimate the extent of the deadly public health epidemic that is killing untold thousands and injuring millions more. NHTSA currently estimates that more than 3,000 people die in crashes related to distracted driving and cell phone use and 400,000 more are injured each year.
The NSC analysis comes as automakers are redoubling efforts to increase the use of phones, infotainment systems and web access in their vehicles – the root cause of the deaths and injuries. Moreover, while the National Highway Traffic Administration has just published suggested guidelines on in car devices (Read U.S. DOT Publishes Distracted Driving Guidelines), the new product development programs of automakers are years ahead of the guidance, and none of the systems in production or being introduced apparently adhere to the recommendations.
There is no reliable method to determine accurately how many crashes involve cell phone use NSC concluded after it conducted an extensive analysis of accident records. The NSC premise is that it impossible to know the true extent of the problem. This assertion is unrefuted thus far by NHTSA or any of the technology providers, automakers or mobile app providers that are causing the problem.
NSC noted that there are many challenges to verifying that cell phone use is a contributing factor in a motor vehicle crash:
- Data gathering begins at the scene with driver, passengers, witnesses and physical evidence.
- Police must often rely on drivers to admit to cell phone use. Laughably, this is not possible when drivers are not forthcoming or, somberly, are seriously injured or deceased.
- Witness memories and statements may be inaccurate.
- Police may not fully investigate cell phone use if it is not a violation in their jurisdiction.
- If a more obvious violation such as speeding or lane departure is identified, or a more serious violation is involved such as alcohol or other drug impairment then the cell phones aspect is ignored.
- If cell phone use is eventually identified as a contributing factor during the police investigation or criminal or civil court cases, crash reports may not be updated.
- Cell phone records can be difficult to obtain from wireless companies who are fearful of their culpability.
- If cell phone records are obtained, data must align with the precise moment of the crash – a moment that is not always known.
In 2010, NSC looked at under-reporting in FARS data of fatal crashes involving driver use of cell phones. NSC identified121 fatal crashes in which driver cell phone use was identified by drivers, vehicle occupants, crash witnesses, law enforcement, lawsuit documentation or cell phone records. Of these crashes, only 30% identified by NSC as involving cell phones were classified as “distracted driving” crashes in the reported statistics. The conclusion was that about 70% of these crashes involving driver use of cell phones were not reflected as such in the annual figures.
Phones, infotainment systems and web access are among the most profitable and sought after accessories in new cars and trucks. Automakers, phone companies, internet service providers, electronics makers, and – above all – consumers have thus far shown little interest in curtailing their use in spite of mounting injuries and fatalities caused by them. Handheld consumer electronic devices are equally troubling and unaddressed thus far by NHTSA.
The legal system is prodding changes that auto and lawmakers refuse to make to stop the distracted driving problem. Companies incur significant expense when an employee crashes According to NHTSA, a workplace crash costs an employer more than $24,000. The cost increases to $125,000 with an injury. All employers face ongoing liability, insurance, productivity and absenteeism costs. Companies have been required to pay jury awards and out-of-court settlements in the range of $500,000 to $21.6 million for employees who were involved in car crashes while using their cell phones.
According to a 2010 NSC survey of Fortune 500 companies, one in five respondents had instituted a policy banning cellphone use while driving. Moreover, 20% had total bans, covering more than2 million employees. Of the 22% of companies with total bans for handheld and hands-free devices that cover employees, a decrease in crash rates and property damage occurred. When asked about productivity, only 7% said productivity decreased, while 19% thought productivity had actually increased.
NSC recommends a best practice policy that prohibits all employees from using cell phones, even hands-free phones, while driving and of course, NSC has recommended a total ban on their use for all drivers.
