Dennie Quill, Contributor
HERE I AM driving along one of St. Mary's pock-marked roads when the car in front of me suddenly slows to a crawl in order to ride a huge crater. I am
following closely behind then and there I am jolted by the incessant ringing of my cellphone. I am searching for the phone (it's never there when you need it) while desperately trying to keep an eye on the car ahead. He lingers in the crater much longer than I expect him to, and 'wham', I am right on his bumper.
This was one time I could not come out of my vehicle screaming as I have been advised to do so as not to accept responsibility for an accident. I simply ate humble pie, admitted my error and gave my word that I would have the vehicle fixed. The damage was estimated at $30,000. Thankfully, no one was injured.
I am relating this incident to call attention to the fact that cellphone usage while driving can be a safety hazard. The reason I am reliving my experience is that I saw a news clip last week about a 57-year-old Miami woman who mowed down an 11-year-old girl while she and her sister were on the pedestrian crossing. According to the reports, traffic wardens were blowing their whistles and waving to the woman but she just kept on coming. She was talking on her cellphone, and was so absorbed in the conversation that she became oblivious to everything in her environment. And a young life was snatched away before she could say her name.
I have not seen any local statistics about cellphone-related accidents, but worldwide there is growing concern about driver distraction among cellphone users.
EMERGING SAFETY ISSUE
Cellphone usage while operating motor vehicles is an emerging safety issue and we should be taking heed here in Jamaica. Yes, it's a modern day necessity and I don't know how we existed before cellphones came into being, but they are here to stay, and as they become more sophisticated with text messages flowing as well as news and other information, the need to be careful becomes more urgent. Recently a motorist pulled up beside me on Hope Road and he was watching television! Believe me, there were two screens on the flaps of the sun visor and he was happily viewing. Tasks like inserting a CD or tape, changing radio stations and eating while driving are also dangerous. But there is no doubt in my mind that a driver's attention and reaction time are seriously impaired by cellphone usage.
Researchers say phone conversations cause 'tunnel vision' in drivers. This means although the driver appears to be looking at objects, his brain is not registering a good portion of what he sees, including signs, road hazards and other motorists.
A study conducted in Perth, Australia, in July 2005, found that motorists who use their cellphones while driving are four times more likely to crash and injure themselves than a motorist who is operating in a normal fashion.
Data indicate that as many as 40 countries have introduced legislation either banning or restricting the use of cellphones while driving. They include Australia, Austria, Botswana, Chile, Egypt, France, Germany, India, Ireland, Japan, Kenya, Russia, Singapore, Spain, the United Kingdom and Zimbabwe. In some countries, although drivers may use cellphones, they can be fined if they are involved in a crash while using their phones.
And the matter of losing insurance coverage faces drivers in the United Kingdom and Germany if they crash while talking on the phone.
I also feel that the phone companies have a responsibility to urge safe use of cellphones because it means we will all be better for it.
Dennie Quill is a veteran journalist who may be reached at denniequill@hotmail.com.
