Driving Under The Influence of Cell Phone (DUIC)
February 24, 2009 by Gary Sides
DUIC or Driving Under the Influence of Cell Phone is just as dangerous as drunken driving or DUI.
A 2006 National Highway and Transportation Safety Administration study found that almost 80% of crashes and 65% of near crashes involved driver distraction i.e. the driver was distracted by their use of the cell phone.
A national insurance company conducted a study and found that 73% of drivers talk on their cellphones while behind the wheel. Even more shocking the study found 19% text while driving.
In North Carolina cell phone use by bus drivers and drivers under the age of 18 are currently prohibited with the exception of emergency situations.
As with any other accidents parents and employers could be held liable for accident caused by children or employees of the company in a company vehicle that are involved in accidents. So its not just the drivers that are at risk in these situations.
Cell Phones and Teen Drivers: A Dangerous Combination?
January 30, 2009 by Gary Sides
A new traffic study suggests NC teenagers have not paid much attention to state law that bans cell phone use by drivers under 18. The law went into effect in Dec. 2006.
A study was conducted by the UNC center and the Institute for Highway Safety. Researchers parked outside of 25 high schools discovered over 11% of teens were talking on cell phones while driving away from school.
Another study found 64% of teens were aware of the law forbidding cell phone use but only 39% of parents were aware of the ban.
Experts liken the use of cell phone while driving to have the same effects as being under the influence of alcohol.