Young Drivers In Denial That Distracted Driving Affects Them

Just last week we reported on a study from the University of Leeds that found drivers with just one hand on the wheel that are engaged in a “secondary task” are at increased risk of an accident.  Now, researchers at Bridgestone Americas report that while teenage drivers realize distracted driving is dangerous, they don’t see everything that takes one hand off the wheel as a distraction.

The survey, that underscores the findings by those at the University of Leeds, found that even though many teenagers and young adults claim they understand distracted driving, they are in denial that it affects them. In fact, one-third of those surveyed admit to reading text messages while driving, and nearly 25% surveyed do not believe that talking on the phone while driving is dangerous.

The company surveyed 2000 drivers aged 15- to 21-years-old.  Among the findings, […]

PA Drivers: Keep Both Hands on the Wheel!

Studies on distracted driving seem to be dominating the news.  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that 15 people die, and 1,200 more are injured, nationwide every day due to an accident caused by a distracted driver.  While cellphone use is the primary focus of distracted driving campaigns, a new study found that when a driver has just one hand on the steering wheel the risk of an accident increases.

In a study conducted using a driving simulator in Great Britain, researchers at the University of Leeds found that people who eat while driving have a reaction time that is 44 percent slower than those who have both hands on the wheel.  The report, “Two Hands are Better Than One,” also found that drivers who sip coffee while behind the wheel are 22 percent slower in their reaction speed and were 18 per cent more likely be unable to maintain a steady central lane position. […]

Motorcycle Awareness Month: Share the Road

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is responsible for reducing deaths, injuries and economic losses resulting from motor vehicle crashes. Each year, the NHTSA runs campaigns to help raise the public’s awareness about dangers on the highways, such as drunk driving and distracted driving. This month it announces its latest campaign – Motorcycle Awareness Month.

Citing the fact that motorcyclist fatalities increased nationwide in 2010 to 4,502, accounting for 14 percent of total traffic fatalities for the year, and that the increase is part of a 13-year trend, the NHTSA has launched the campaign with a goal to change the driving habits of motorists and motorcyclists alike to help decrease the numbers of motorcyclists killed and injured in crashes. The safety campaign is aimed at getting motorists and motorcyclists to “share the road” with each other.

Pennsylvania has nearly 900,000 registered motorcyclists, […]

Pennsylvania’s Bike Safety Law In Effect

March saw the enactment of Pennsylvania’s anti-texting law.  Continuing the effort to improve safety for all Pennsylvania residents riding the state’s highways, Governor Tom Corbett enacted another safety law in April – the bike safety law.  Noting that biking is great exercise and an efficient mode of transportation, state Rep. Ron Miller, R-York sponsored the law that went into effect April 2.

“We need to do all that we can to promote the activity and protect bike enthusiasts through legislation that makes it safer for them to enjoy their sport,” said Miller in an article in the Morning Call.

The bike safety law requires motorists to leave a 4-foot “cushion of safety” when passing a bicyclist.  The motorist can cross the center line when passing the cyclist as long as it is safe. In addition, the new law calls for bicyclists “to use all reasonable efforts to avoid impeding the normal flow of traffic.”  […]

PennDOT Launches “Just Drive PA” Safety Campaign

At the start of this month we presented our readers with information about National Distracted Driving Awareness Month.  Designated as such by the U.S. Department of Transportation, all drivers are asked to eliminate any distractions while driving, especially cell phones, and to stay focused.

Now, as part of the National Distracted Driving Awareness campaign, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) has announced a statewide initiative aimed at improving safety on Pennsylvania roadways. “Just Drive PA” is aimed at encouraging “motorists to ‘Just Drive’ and concentrate only on the task at hand.”

Citing estimates that 58 people lost their lives in the nearly 14,200 Pennsylvania automobile accidents attributed to a distracted driver in 2011, PennDOT launched the new initiative.  The campaign is designed to educate the public about the state’s new anti-texting law and about the results of distracted driving, as well as to bring attention to motorcycle safety, […]