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Automotive Industry

Death By Distraction - Statistical Data Included

Automotive Industries, May, 2000 by Gerry Kobe

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"I can't tell you how many cell phone users I have pulled over suspecting I had a drunk driver," Troye stresses. "But when I get to the car window I find them talking on the phone and trying to write something or perhaps looking at a map. And I'm not talking about a few motorists -- I mean hundreds. What is really annoying is that some people are so engrossed in their conversation that I have to tap on the glass to get them to hang up."

Troye says almost every accident can be chalked up to some sort of distraction, be it eating, applying makeup, shaving, changing CDs or rolling up the windows. As a 10-year veteran with the Michigan State Police, he has seen it all and has strong opinions about adding in-car electronics.

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"Based on what I see, the average driver isn't ready to have more distractions," he says. "Things like more cell phones, navigation systems, beepers and E-mail are going to cause more accidents-- even if the car is designed to deliver the message by voice. Changing the setting on your radio only lasts a few seconds and that causes accidents. Getting your E-mail is an extended distraction."

Troye emphasizes that driving is already a complex enough task that requires drivers to look, listen, scan mirrors, modulate speed, anticipate, control steering, control braking and always calculate a way out.

"For most people, just driving safely is more than enough food on their plate," he says. "Electronic technology is a great thing but adding it to a car is adding a distraction. To do that is just a recipe for disaster."

--GK

Automotive Industry

Death By Distraction - Statistical Data Included

Automotive Industries, May, 2000 by Gerry Kobe

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