These sources are reporting data that we as individuals can witness everyday. As an example, we can walk into any Walmart today and see 40% of the people walking and talking on the phone. In addition, simply drive around and you will see at least 30% of the drivers either texting or talking on the phone. Laws banning cellphone use while driving does not seem to make a difference. Even after the University of Utah came out with a study showing that drivers on cell phones are as bad as drunks.
"We found that people are as impaired when they drive and talk on a cell phone as they are when they drive intoxicated at the legal blood-alcohol limit”
In other studies compiled by Nationwide Insurance:
- The No.1 source of driver inattention is use of a wireless device. (Virginia Tech/NHTSA)
- Drivers that use cell phones are four times as likely to get into crashes serious enough to injure themselves. (NHTSA, Insurance Institute for Highway Safety)
- 10 percent of drivers aged 16 to 24 years old are on their phone at any one time.
- Driving while distracted is a factor in 25 percent of police reported crashes.
- Driving while using a cell phone reduces the amount of brain activity associated with driving by 37 percent (Carnegie Mellon)
A Google search produces reams and reams of links to university and Insurance company studies showing that you should not drive and use a cellphone. Yet, I see it everyday. The question here is :
"Are Americans getting dumber?"
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