The new hands-free law affecting Oregon drivers using cell phones takes effect on January 1, 2010, making hands-free devices top sellers in the Beaver state this holiday season. Starting next year, drivers spotted on the phone without wireless or other hands-free devices may be subject to $90 fines.
They may also cause serious motor vehicle accidents. Texting or other cell phone use is an increasingly common cause of distracted driving that has caused or contributed to thousands of car crashes. The American Automobile Association (“AAA”) has noted that studies of the cell phone records of crash-involved drivers have reported that using a cell phone while driving raises the risk of a crash four times. “Various studies conclude using a cell phone while driving produces a small to moderate impact on speed, lane positioning and vehicle control.” The AAA’s website has cited research based on data from 18 studies indicating that using cell phones while driving “increases the time required to react to react to critical events.” Importantly, slower reactions result even when hands-free devices are used.
Cell phone uses implicates at least three of the four kinds of driving distractions recognized by human factors experts. Biomechanical distractions may arise when drivers perform tasks such as dialing phones. Auditory distractions may accompany unexpected calls that cause phones to ring while driving or distract drivers further while they engage in cell phone conversations. Cognitive distractions may occur when drivers must concentrate on communications with persons other than those in the car.
Data collected by the U.S. Department of Transportation National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in 2000 estimated overall hand-held cell phone use by of drivers of passenger cars, vans, SUVs, and pickups at 3 percent nationally. This translates into approximately one-half million drivers using cell phones at any given time. It’s safe to assume that the numbers have increased exponentially since the data was collected almost a decade ago. If so, then the danger presented by distracted drivers has increased significantly as well.
A Portland accident lawyer can help if a distracted driver causes harm to you or a loved one, whether or not the driver was using a hands-free device before the crash. Oregon personal injury lawyer Dane Johnson provides a free attorney consultation to evaluate your potential case and help protect your legal rights. Contact the Law Office of Dane E. Johnson toll free at (800) 714-3204 or use our online form to schedule a no-cost, no-obligation legal consultation.
Related Web Resources
Press Release, American Automobile Association, Is There a Disconnect Between Drivers Who Use Cell Phones? (Dec. 5, 2008).
Dennis Utter, Passenger Vehicle Driver Cell Phone Use: Results from the Fall 2000 National Occupant Protection Use Survey, July 2001.
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