Cell Phone Safety
"2,600 a year die in crashes caused by talking drivers". Los Angeles Times
The death toll from crashes caused by drivers talking on their wireless phones appears to be rising as the devices become a must-have accessory for many Americans. A study being released by Harvard University's Center for Risk Analysis estimates a rate of 2,600 deaths a year in such crashes, compared with the same researchers' estimate of 1,000 fatalities two years ago.
"The amount of time people spend using their cell phones while driving has increased, probably reflecting the fact that it is becoming cheaper to use the devices" said research scientist Joshua Cohen, the study's author. The Harvard study also estimated that 570,000 injuries a year and 1.5 million crashes resulting in property damage can be blamed on wireless phone use.
Wireless phone use is by no means the biggest menace on the roads. Alcohol-related crashes accounted for 17,448 deaths last year, while accidents involving speeding took 12,850 lives, according to federal statistics. People who use wireless phones while driving have a 34 percent higher risk of a collision than those who do not talk and drive. Even using a hands-free phone can be dangerous, because talking on the phone diverts your attention from driving. Long complex conversations make you four times more likely to have a car crash.
So remember, pull safely off the road if you need to make a call.