VILSECK, Germany -- It's something military service members and their families hear regularly, "Communication is Key" but in one notable situation it's downright deadly: while driving.
As anyone can tell you, smartphones have made it all too easy for us to stay in touch from anywhere and at all times -- including behind the wheel while driving - and that can pose serious safety risks if someone decides to check his or her text messages, emails, phone calls, or any other mobile applications while driving.
"We've all encountered it, the vehicle swerving haphazardly as it makes its way down a motorway or zipping in and out on the autobahn unpredictably. The explanation, more often than not these days, turns out to be the driver using a phone." says U.S. Army Medical Department Activity Bavaria (BMEDDAC) Safety Specialist, Kai Schrag. "Those texting and talking on the phone are a danger not only to themselves but to others." said Schrag, adding matter-of-factly: "The solution is simple: to take the call or message, just pull over."
Schrag knows what he is talking about. According to the National Safety Council study released in 2016, texting while driving makes the driver six times more likely to cause an accident than if they were driving drunk and similar study by Car and Driver magazine, included a series of experiments which took place at a deserted air strip, experiments showed that texting while driving had an even worse impact on safety than driving while intoxicated. Answering a text takes away your attention for about five seconds. Traveling at 55 mph, that's approximately enough time to travel the length of a football field.
Even when speaking using a hands-free device, these same studies showed drivers can miss seeing up to half of what's around them because they are engaged in a cell phone conversation or texting. Those who think that hands-free texting is low on the list of potential driving hazards might therefore wish to think again.
Both operating a vehicle and using a cell phone require a concentration and thought; when combined, the brain is unable to do either well. The example most given, that it's nearly impossible to read a book and have a phone conversation, is one anyone can try at home.
"Actually holding a phone to your ear while driving is illegal. But not having both hands on the wheel is only part of the problem. Another serious part is the dissipation of attention involved." Schrag said.
In Germany, the initial fine if pulled over for using a cell phone is 60 Euros - about $63 dollars- and stiffer, significantly higher fines are imposed if the driver has endangered himself or others while driving and using a cellphone, regardless whether they were in an accident or even made contact with another vehicle.
According to a recent German study published by ADAC (German Automobile Club), the risk of death in an accident due to texting and driving is even higher while driving on the autobahn, due to the fact that drivers travel at exceptionally high speeds, therefore making driver reaction times shorter. The chance of killing others is correspondingly high because the odds of surviving an accident at high speed are considerably higher and generally fatal.
In Germany, any use of a mobile phone is forbidden as long as the vehicle's engine is running. In the United States texting while driving is generally outlawed for drivers in all states and the District of Columbia. Nonetheless, annual government statistics published yearly by both country's Departments of Transportation consistently show that a significant percentage of drivers continue to underestimate the dangers due to cellphone distraction and will take as well as make calls and texts while driving.
"The statistics are against a driver calling or texting, and they're growing every year. Awareness and not endangering yourself and or others so needlessly is the take-away. " said Schrag. "Until everybody gets it, I really can't repeat this enough: please, just pull over when taking or making a call or a text."
To learn more about the people and facilities of the U.S. Army Medical Department Activity Bavaria (BMEDDAC) and the clinics they support in Ansbach, Grafenwoehr, Hohenfels, Stuttgart and Vilseck in Germany, and in Mihail Kogalniceanu, Romania, visit the BMEDDAC website at http://rhce.amedd.army.mil/bavaria
ABOUT DRIVING AND CELLPHONE USE
At any given time throughout the day in the U.S. approximately 660,000 drivers are attempting to use their phones while behind the wheel of an automobile.
In 2016 more than 310,000 injuries occurred in the U.S. from accidents caused by texting while driving.
Eleven teens die every day in the U.S. as a result of texting while driving. According to an AAA poll, 94 percent of teen drivers acknowledge the dangers of texting and driving, but 35 percent admitted to doing it anyway. 21 percent of teen drivers involved in fatal accidents were found to be distracted by their cell phones.
In 2015 AT&T conducted a poll of more than 2000 people aged 16 to 65. The poll also found that there were some people who kept their attention divided regularly while they drove. Thirty percent of the people who used Twitter while in motion said they did it "all the time". More than a quarter of the people who shoot photos while driving said they believed they could do it "safely".
In 2014 England's Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) published a study which concluded that using smartphones for social networking while driving is more dangerous than drunk driving and even more hazardous than driving while high on cannabis.
In Germany use of cell phone while operating a bicycle is also subject to a lesser fine of Euro 25 ($27).
According to the German ADAC (German Automobile Club), of all cell phone related tasks, texting is by far the most dangerous activity.
Related Links:
U.S. Army Medical Department Activity Bavaria
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