Driver Distraction Accident Information Withheld, But Shows Increase in Cell Phone Usage and Auto Accidents
A government agency reviewed data and research on driving while distracted and auto accidents. However, the report, which showed a significant connection between driving while distracted by cell phones, text messaging devices and similar mobile communication devices and auto accidents, was not released because it might affect financing from Congress, according to an article on Yahoo.com.
The report made it clear that auto accidents caused by drivers who are distracted because they are talking on cell phones or sending or reading text messages are increasing. According to the report, cell phone usage by drivers increased 50% between 2002 and 2004. Although those findings are somewhat outdated, with the popularity of newer and more technologically advanced cell phones, one would expect that cell phone usage while driving has increased since 2004. Driving around Jacksonville, Florida, it seems as if every other driver is talking on his/her cell phone. The report also indicated that such driver distractions contribute to about one out of every four reported auto accidents.
