Different states, counties and cities are in the midst of trying to cut down their rates of distracted driving accidents. Studies and experience from the past several years prove that using a cellphone while driving is dangerous -- too dangerous for communities to let continue.
According to the National Safety Council, about 1.4 million motor vehicle accidents happen every year that are connected to drivers using cellphones. Texting or emailing while driving are the most dangerous cellphone behaviors, but simply talking can also create an unnecessary, sometimes fatal distraction. Law enforcement in Logan, Utah, is tackling the safety issue, some might say successfully.
"Stop the Main Distraction" is an anti-distracted driving campaign that's taking place on Main Street in Logan. Officials are using grant money and putting more patrols on the street who will not hesitate to stop and cite a driver who they see "manipulating" their cellphone. Drivers can talk on the phone, but they cannot be texting or typing (behaviors that require drivers to look down and focus on their devices).
Two years into the traffic safety effort, authorities report that there has been a 30 percent decrease in the number of motor vehicle accidents on Main Street in Logan. They report that about half as many drivers are using their cellphones on average than compared to the past.
The results of the effort are good not just for law enforcement, but the public as well, and for multiple reasons. Obviously, the roads are safer when fewer drivers are texting and driving. Also, the police department estimates that the public has saved more many thousands of dollars due to the lower rate of accidents.
A 30 percent reduction in crashes is a significant accomplishment; however, that still leaves many others dealing with a loss or injury related to a reckless driver. Our Utah car accident attorneys can help victims seek their full and fair compensation after a distracted driving crash has changed their lives.
Source: Deseret News, "Logan police program cracks down on drivers' 'Main Distraction'," Jed Boal, Feb. 1, 2013
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