AAA Michigan Affirms There Are No Benefits to Distracted Driving

DEARBORN, Mich., Dec. 2, 2002; AAA Michigan said the public should not be misled by a national cell-phone economic analysis released today (December 2) by the Harvard Center for Risk Analysis. According to the study, the value drivers place on in-transit cell-phone use is roughly equal to the economic costs incurred in crashes caused by cell phone users.

"Plain and simple, improper cell phone use is a significant form of distracted driving," said Richard J. Miller, manager of Community Safety Services for AAA Michigan. "There are no known benefits to distracted driving."

According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, nearly 300,000 distracted drivers are involved in serious crashes annually -- making the phenomenon one of the most serious public health hazards of the 21st Century. In fact, driver distractions such as eating or drinking, adjusting the radio or talking with occupants have been cited as a primary or contributing factor in as many as half of all crashes.

According to the author of the Harvard study, cell phone owners cite such benefits as security and peace of mind, increased productivity, privacy and efficient crime reporting as added values that roughly equaled the $43 billion price tag for medical bills and loss of life caused by cell phone-related crashes.

AAA warns that economic costs are only one side of the equation when comparing risk levels and do not include the lifelong trauma and other emotional costs associated with loss of life or serious injury.

"We recognize and promote the safety benefits that a cell phone can provide when used appropriately," said Miller. "However, numerous studies have demonstrated that even hands-free cell phone use involving emotional or complex conversations can lead to an unacceptable level of driver distraction."

AAA CELL PHONE SAFETY TIPS Always assess traffic conditions before calling. Know your phone's keypad -- use speed dial when possible. Place calls when stopped if possible. Have a passenger make the call for you. Ensure that the phone is within easy reach. Avoid intense, emotional or complex conversations. Avoid talking on a cell phone in congested traffic or during bad weather.

Keep your mind on your driving!