From: MCC-NSW Delegates (Zebee)
Sent: Tuesday, 2 May 2006 9:08 PM
To: MCC-Delegates
Subject: [Mcc-delegates] driven to distraction


from the RISKS digest (dealing with computer and technology risks)

Subject: Driven to distraction: cellphones

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Virginia
Tech Transportation Institute tracked the behavior of drivers in 100
vehicles equipped with video and sensor devices.

The results: Inattentiveness caused by drivers using a cell phone,
applying makeup, and being distracted from the road -- all caught on
videotape -- cause nearly 80 percent of crashes and 65 percent of
near-crashes, according to the study. Each distraction carried a
different risk of causing crashes or near crashes: reaching for an
object increased the risk by nine times; drowsiness by at least four
times; and applying makeup by three times. The one-year study ...
cited cell phone use and drowsiness as the major causes of
distraction.

[Source: Kathy Uek, *Metrowest Daily News*, 21 Apr 2006;PGN-ed]
http://www.metrowestdailynews.com/localRegional/view.bg?articleid=127986


Zebee

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