1.) Cause over 3,200 deaths and 450,000 injuries in the U.S. annually. (2007)

2.) 60% of all rear-end collisions are caused by drivers on cell phones.

3.) Reaction time to brake lights is 15 to 18% slower than normal.

4.) Takes 17 to 20% longer to start-up and regain the speed of the traffic flow.

Prior Studies Key Findings:

The risk of driving while talking on a cell phone is the same level of risk as driving while intoxicated (issues of attention and reaction times).

When you put a 20 to 30 year old on a cell phone behind the wheel, their reaction time slows to that of a 75 year old driver (who is not on a cell phone).

Drivers look but they don't see. This is due to the distraction of their conversation.

Cell Phone Blindness:

I was recently in a cell phone induced accident where I was driving past the entrance and exit of a grocery store parking lot here in the Chicagoland area. 

A young lady in a brand new 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer (it was a pretty car) was sitting at the exit ready to pull out into traffic.  As I approached, I glanced to my right to see her stopped with a cell phone to her ear.  She looked right at me . . . there was a brief instant of eye contact . . . she then proceeded to accelerate and drive right into the side of my Saturn Hybrid. 

The collision ripped open my passenger door, rear passenger door, and rear quarter panel, it also sliced my tire and destroyed the rim.  Her car, lost its front end.  As she told the police officer, she just didn't see me! 

In another incident a good friend in Michigan was in a drive-through line at a  popular fast-food chain.  Stopped and sitting in line, waiting to get her order, the driver in line behind her, chatting it up on her cell phone (presumably to get someone's order) rear-ended her.  Damage was estimated at several hundred dollars to both vehicles.  An you got it . . . the cell phone using driver . . . didn't see her SUV.

Bottom Line:
 
If you find yourself behind the wheel of a car, chances are good that you are the driver . . . so give it your full attention!
 

Cell Phone Common Sense:

According to a recent study, there are now 128 million cell phone subscribers, and chances are, you're one of them.  It is highly likely that there are times when you may 'need' to use your cell phone while 'behind the wheel.'  To avoid being an accident statistic, here are 7 common sense tips that could save you a lot of grief.

• Always use hands-free devices such as an earpiece or speaker phone
• In receiving a call, never try to read the caller ID either just answer or don't!
• Never look up numbers, or take notes while driving
• Never send or read  text messages while driving
• Make calls when you are not moving or before pulling into traffic
• Keep conversations short and don't make "social calls" while driving
• In heavy traffic, nasty weather, or stressful situations, do not use your phone
  
   

State and City Cell Phone Use Laws:

Accidents have become so prevalent that some states either ban or are attempting to ban the use of cell phones while driving.

Currently New York State bans the use of cell phones while driving.  This is a  state wide law, so be advised when driving in New York.

In downtown Chicago (Cook County) drivers are required to use hands free devices like head phones, Blue Tooth headsets, or speaker phones.

Cell Phone Litigation:

Can you be sued if you hit someone while talking on your cell phone?
Most definitely!  And, it can completely 'bankrupt' you.

The cell phone related driving accident has spawned a whole new segment of business for lawyers.  There are now numerous law firms that specialize in "Cell Phone related accidents."  It has become big business . . . so perhaps it's a good idea to think about that next time you catch yourself in a moment of inattentiveness talking on your cell phone.

So far, (as of 2009) the highest award to the victim of a cell phone driver in the U.S. has been $5.2 million dollars.  It is virtually guaranteed that we will hear of much higher "TORT" awards as this legal specialization grows.  
 

Hot Dogging and Tail Gating:

Ahh, so you think you're 'way cool' and a skillful driver when you zip (and weave) from lane to lane and tail gate other drivers!  Bet you think you're saving time too, and getting where you need to be faster 

Well, sadly, you're wrong (as well as being a danger) and your actions actually make the traffic and congestion worse. "Yes, for you too!"

Statistical data collected by Highway Departments around the world . . . prove that those irresponsible driving behaviors are a big part of the problem.

Tailgating, frequent lane changes, and aggressive driving reduces a highway or a road's capacity and actually slows traffic flow and increase the congestion.

How does your hot dogging create worsened traffic conditions?  Well, common sense should help you figure it out . . . but here it is:

1.) Sensible drivers will automatically slow down to create a safety gap.

2.) Others will adjust their speed to block your erratic lane changes.

3.) Drivers ahead who see you in their mirrors will slow down to block your antics.

4.) Truck drivers on CB radios frequently conspire to block you for miles.

5.) Worse . . . it can insight "road rage" from you or others.

The True Cost of Road Rage:

"So, (you say) every body gets bent out of shape or goes ballistic driving these days, what's the big deal?"

Well, if we simply look at the data collected over the years by literally every police department, or highway and transportation department in the world (or read a newspaper) on incidents of Road Rage . . . here's what it can cost you:

1.) You can go to prison - First Degree Murder if you kill someone.

2.) You can go to jail - Assault and Battery - yes, a car or truck is considered a
     weapon when you use it to try to force your will on others by using its mass.

3.) You can be sued for damages and loose everything you have or will have!

4.) You could die!  (or kill your passengers.)

Guess it's up to you heh?