motor vehicle fatalities https://scienceblogs.com/ en Researchers: Texting and driving bans reduce crash-related hospitalizations https://scienceblogs.com/thepumphandle/2015/04/10/researchers-texting-and-driving-bans-reduce-crash-related-hospitalizations <span>Researchers: Texting and driving bans reduce crash-related hospitalizations</span> <div class="field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field--item"><p>Today, nearly every state in the country has a law that bans texting while driving. But do these laws make a difference?</p> <p>A group of researchers took on that question, comparing crash-related hospitalizations among states with a texting-while-driving ban and states without such a ban. And they found some encouraging results: Texting bans were associated with a 7 percent reduction in crash-related hospitalizations among all age groups, especially among those ages 22 to 64. To conduct the <a href="http://ajph.aphapublications.org/doi/abs/10.2105/AJPH.2014.302537">study</a>, which was published in the May issue of the <em>American Journal of Public Health</em>, researchers examined data from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample from 19 states between 2003 and 2010 and compared crash-related hospitalizations in states after the implementation of a texting ban to states with no texting ban.</p> <p>The researchers noted that 416,000 of the more than 2.3 million U.S. residents who sought medical care after a motor vehicle crash in 2009 reported that the crashes involved a distracted driver. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration defines distraction as activities that divert a driver’s attention away from the task of driving, such as cell phones, navigation systems or talking with passengers. While previous research has examined the associations between texting bans and crash-related fatalities as well as texting bans and insurance collision claims, the researchers wrote that this may be the first study to examine the impact of texting bans on crash-related hospitalizations. Study authors Alva Ferdinand, Nir Menachemi, Justin Blackburn, Bisakha Sen, Leonard Nelson and Michael Morrisey wrote:</p> <blockquote><p>In 2001, New York implemented the first state ban on talking on a handheld cell phone while driving. Several states, including California and Connecticut, followed suit. However, these early laws allowed handheld dialing and did not explicitly ban text messaging. Some states subsequently enacted legislation explicitly banning drivers from texting (reading, manually composing, or sending text messages, instant messages, or e-mails via a portable electronic device) while driving. However, because of the relative novelty of texting bans, little is known about their impact on roadway safety.</p></blockquote> <p>In zeroing in on the impact of texting bans, as opposed to more general bans on the use of handheld devices while driving, the study found that even after controlling for variables such as population size, states with a texting ban experienced a decrease in motor vehicle crash-related hospitalizations. However, even though texting-while-driving bans were associated with a significant reduction in hospitalizations among people ages 22 to 64, only marginal reductions were found among adolescents and young adults, those ages 15 to 21.</p> <p>Overall, the researchers estimated that such reductions translate into the yearly prevention of 30 motor vehicle-related hospitalizations per studied hospital in the states with a primary texting ban. In conclusion: “Our findings suggest that states that have not passed primarily enforced texting bans should consider doing so.”</p> <p>According to <a href="http://www.cdc.gov/motorvehiclesafety/distracted_driving/">2011 data</a> from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 31 percent of U.S. drivers ages 18 to 64 reported having read or sent a text or email while driving in the prior month. The public health agency also reported a 9 percent increase in the number of people injured in a car crash that involved a distracted driver between 2011 and 2012.</p> <p>To request of full copy of the new texting study, visit the <a href="http://ajph.aphapublications.org/doi/abs/10.2105/AJPH.2014.302537"><em>American Journal of Public Health</em></a>.</p> <p><em>Kim Krisberg is a freelance public health writer living in Austin, Texas, and has been writing about public health for more than a decade.</em></p> </div> <span><a title="View user profile." href="/author/kkrisberg" lang="" about="/author/kkrisberg" typeof="schema:Person" property="schema:name" datatype="">kkrisberg</a></span> <span>Fri, 04/10/2015 - 11:21</span> <div class="field field--name-field-blog-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Tags</div> <div class="field--items"> <div class="field--item"><a href="/tag/government" hreflang="en">government</a></div> <div class="field--item"><a href="/tag/legal" hreflang="en">Legal</a></div> <div class="field--item"><a href="/tag/public-health-general" hreflang="en">Public Health - General</a></div> <div class="field--item"><a href="/tag/regulation" hreflang="en">regulation</a></div> <div class="field--item"><a href="/tag/research" hreflang="en">Research</a></div> <div class="field--item"><a href="/tag/safety" hreflang="en">safety</a></div> <div class="field--item"><a href="/tag/transportation" hreflang="en">Transportation</a></div> <div class="field--item"><a href="/tag/health-and-law" hreflang="en">health and law</a></div> <div class="field--item"><a href="/tag/motor-vehicle-fatalities" hreflang="en">motor vehicle fatalities</a></div> <div class="field--item"><a href="/tag/motor-vehicle-injuries" hreflang="en">motor vehicle injuries</a></div> <div class="field--item"><a href="/tag/prevention" hreflang="en">Prevention</a></div> <div class="field--item"><a href="/tag/public-health" hreflang="en">public health</a></div> <div class="field--item"><a href="/tag/road-safety" hreflang="en">road safety</a></div> <div class="field--item"><a href="/tag/texting" hreflang="en">texting</a></div> <div class="field--item"><a href="/tag/regulation" hreflang="en">regulation</a></div> <div class="field--item"><a href="/tag/research" hreflang="en">Research</a></div> <div class="field--item"><a href="/tag/safety" hreflang="en">safety</a></div> <div class="field--item"><a href="/tag/transportation" hreflang="en">Transportation</a></div> </div> </div> <section> <article data-comment-user-id="0" id="comment-1873481" class="js-comment comment-wrapper clearfix"> <mark class="hidden" data-comment-timestamp="1428692024"></mark> <div class="well"> <strong></strong> <div class="field field--name-comment-body field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field--item"><p>Texting, or any use of a cellular phone, while driving is extremely dangerous and takes the driver's attention off the road. Given the dynamic environment that roads are, things can change in seconds and a short moment of concentration loss can cause serious accidents.</p> <p>What is the punishment for someone who gets busted texting while driving?<br /> [15013252]</p> </div> <drupal-render-placeholder callback="comment.lazy_builders:renderLinks" arguments="0=1873481&amp;1=default&amp;2=en&amp;3=" token="SpqUVB9-1VKi_s-Ztu4UOy870esvGGdkGE-lpiLY_L0"></drupal-render-placeholder> </div> <footer> <em>By <span lang="" typeof="schema:Person" property="schema:name" datatype="">Seth-Frerich Fobian (not verified)</span> on 10 Apr 2015 <a href="https://scienceblogs.com/taxonomy/term/14748/feed#comment-1873481">#permalink</a></em> <article typeof="schema:Person" about="/user/0"> <div class="field field--name-user-picture field--type-image field--label-hidden field--item"> <a href="/user/0" hreflang="und"><img src="/files/styles/thumbnail/public/default_images/icon-user.png?itok=yQw_eG_q" width="100" height="100" alt="User Image" typeof="foaf:Image" class="img-responsive" /> </a> </div> </article> </footer> </article> <article data-comment-user-id="0" id="comment-1873489" class="js-comment comment-wrapper clearfix"> <mark class="hidden" data-comment-timestamp="1428833782"></mark> <div class="well"> <strong></strong> <div class="field field--name-comment-body field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field--item"><p>Texting while driving has become more frequent with the evolution of technology. Even though it has not been formally banned in some states, I believe people are aware that it is reckless and phones should rather be put away while travelling. The problem is that it is done so innocently, without thinking. Who doesn't quickly check their phones to see who sent a message when you hear the familiar 'ping' of a whatsapp coming through? By banning texting while driving people gain a sense of awareness, this makes them think twice about texting while they are behind the wheel. I think it would help if these bans were reinforced by punishment or a bigger effort could be made to increase awareness. </p> <p>[15044922]</p> </div> <drupal-render-placeholder callback="comment.lazy_builders:renderLinks" arguments="0=1873489&amp;1=default&amp;2=en&amp;3=" token="ItDlPvCboosZJG_NCIu1yJY0sXDEbqgzdiBJ17GJXNI"></drupal-render-placeholder> </div> <footer> <em>By <span lang="" typeof="schema:Person" property="schema:name" datatype="">Estie-Lome Mouton (not verified)</span> on 12 Apr 2015 <a href="https://scienceblogs.com/taxonomy/term/14748/feed#comment-1873489">#permalink</a></em> <article typeof="schema:Person" about="/user/0"> <div class="field field--name-user-picture field--type-image field--label-hidden field--item"> <a href="/user/0" hreflang="und"><img src="/files/styles/thumbnail/public/default_images/icon-user.png?itok=yQw_eG_q" width="100" height="100" alt="User Image" typeof="foaf:Image" class="img-responsive" /> </a> </div> </article> </footer> </article> <article data-comment-user-id="0" id="comment-1873490" class="js-comment comment-wrapper clearfix"> <mark class="hidden" data-comment-timestamp="1428837648"></mark> <div class="well"> <strong></strong> <div class="field field--name-comment-body field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field--item"><p>The reduction in crash-related hospitalizations in relation to the texting-while-driving ban is more significant but what about those accidents that are minor (do not require hospitalization). In my opinion, texting while driving causes the majority of minor accidents, luckily no one is injured but the repair costs, etc. adds up. What is the impact of the texting-while-driving ban on minor accidents?<br /> 14392357</p> </div> <drupal-render-placeholder callback="comment.lazy_builders:renderLinks" arguments="0=1873490&amp;1=default&amp;2=en&amp;3=" token="Pd63kjqnDs3ovEyPzU5jQr7I3o5PVQZqFH-gIg2lR8A"></drupal-render-placeholder> </div> <footer> <em>By <span lang="" typeof="schema:Person" property="schema:name" datatype="" content="Nicole Konstantinopoulos">Nicole Konstan… (not verified)</span> on 12 Apr 2015 <a href="https://scienceblogs.com/taxonomy/term/14748/feed#comment-1873490">#permalink</a></em> <article typeof="schema:Person" about="/user/0"> <div class="field field--name-user-picture field--type-image field--label-hidden field--item"> <a href="/user/0" hreflang="und"><img src="/files/styles/thumbnail/public/default_images/icon-user.png?itok=yQw_eG_q" width="100" height="100" alt="User Image" typeof="foaf:Image" class="img-responsive" /> </a> </div> </article> </footer> </article> <article data-comment-user-id="0" id="comment-1873491" class="js-comment comment-wrapper clearfix"> <mark class="hidden" data-comment-timestamp="1428838697"></mark> <div class="well"> <strong></strong> <div class="field field--name-comment-body field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field--item"><p>The use of a cell phone while driving is dangerous, that is not arguable. Death is at its highest because of this. Severe punishment should be introduced for people who do not follow this law to encourage others to follow it. This many reduce the high death rate caused by accidents due to the use of a cell phone while driving.</p> <p>15329683</p> </div> <drupal-render-placeholder callback="comment.lazy_builders:renderLinks" arguments="0=1873491&amp;1=default&amp;2=en&amp;3=" token="ZFLprF_jJGCxlyOvIuMIavzSM_2ePeN19ASCKZ6xThA"></drupal-render-placeholder> </div> <footer> <em>By <span lang="" typeof="schema:Person" property="schema:name" datatype="">Elwa Montshiwagae (not verified)</span> on 12 Apr 2015 <a href="https://scienceblogs.com/taxonomy/term/14748/feed#comment-1873491">#permalink</a></em> <article typeof="schema:Person" about="/user/0"> <div class="field field--name-user-picture field--type-image field--label-hidden field--item"> <a href="/user/0" hreflang="und"><img src="/files/styles/thumbnail/public/default_images/icon-user.png?itok=yQw_eG_q" width="100" height="100" alt="User Image" typeof="foaf:Image" class="img-responsive" /> </a> </div> </article> </footer> </article> <article data-comment-user-id="0" id="comment-1873492" class="js-comment comment-wrapper clearfix"> <mark class="hidden" data-comment-timestamp="1428840069"></mark> <div class="well"> <strong></strong> <div class="field field--name-comment-body field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field--item"><p>The use of a cell phone while driving is dangerous, that is not arguable. Death rate is at its highest because of this. Severe punishment should be introduced to encourage people not to ignore the law of of using a cell phone while driving. This may reduce deaths and injuries caused by accidents due to the use of a cell phone while driving.</p> <p>15329683</p> </div> <drupal-render-placeholder callback="comment.lazy_builders:renderLinks" arguments="0=1873492&amp;1=default&amp;2=en&amp;3=" token="BlwZ7I-FMi5hE9Rk0LyeP2WE3GnbAOA6H9qQ9ierBao"></drupal-render-placeholder> </div> <footer> <em>By <span lang="" typeof="schema:Person" property="schema:name" datatype="">Elwa Montshiwagae (not verified)</span> on 12 Apr 2015 <a href="https://scienceblogs.com/taxonomy/term/14748/feed#comment-1873492">#permalink</a></em> <article typeof="schema:Person" about="/user/0"> <div class="field field--name-user-picture field--type-image field--label-hidden field--item"> <a href="/user/0" hreflang="und"><img src="/files/styles/thumbnail/public/default_images/icon-user.png?itok=yQw_eG_q" width="100" height="100" alt="User Image" typeof="foaf:Image" class="img-responsive" /> </a> </div> </article> </footer> </article> <article data-comment-user-id="0" id="comment-1873493" class="js-comment comment-wrapper clearfix"> <mark class="hidden" data-comment-timestamp="1428895261"></mark> <div class="well"> <strong></strong> <div class="field field--name-comment-body field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field--item"><p>The frequency of texting while driving is increasing as technology evolves. Although there has not been a formal ban placed on texting in some states, people know that this is a dangerous habit. The ban only increases awareness and this could be why there are less collisions in those states. Are the perpetrators being punished accordingly? I believe most drivers do not think of texting and driving as a serious offence.</p> </div> <drupal-render-placeholder callback="comment.lazy_builders:renderLinks" arguments="0=1873493&amp;1=default&amp;2=en&amp;3=" token="i7eaROpYzHBE-N3MN8UBuCgF57KH5ZB7Cegc1taaz80"></drupal-render-placeholder> </div> <footer> <em>By <span lang="" typeof="schema:Person" property="schema:name" datatype="">Estie-Lome&#039; Mouton (not verified)</span> on 12 Apr 2015 <a href="https://scienceblogs.com/taxonomy/term/14748/feed#comment-1873493">#permalink</a></em> <article typeof="schema:Person" about="/user/0"> <div class="field field--name-user-picture field--type-image field--label-hidden field--item"> <a href="/user/0" hreflang="und"><img src="/files/styles/thumbnail/public/default_images/icon-user.png?itok=yQw_eG_q" width="100" height="100" alt="User Image" typeof="foaf:Image" class="img-responsive" /> </a> </div> </article> </footer> </article> <article data-comment-user-id="0" id="comment-1873495" class="js-comment comment-wrapper clearfix"> <mark class="hidden" data-comment-timestamp="1428908425"></mark> <div class="well"> <strong></strong> <div class="field field--name-comment-body field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field--item"><p>Good. Results considering that this generation we love resting no matter where and what we are doing . although I suggest that there could be more awareness concentrated on the young adults about texting and driving or using any handheld devices while driving. Does loud music in a car help with the driving and stay focus or is a distruction too? [14047366]</p> </div> <drupal-render-placeholder callback="comment.lazy_builders:renderLinks" arguments="0=1873495&amp;1=default&amp;2=en&amp;3=" token="AQlrN2xKJssKidhUw66G0Op1flPp2Fw6m4NOeANsyLw"></drupal-render-placeholder> </div> <footer> <em>By <span lang="" typeof="schema:Person" property="schema:name" datatype="">elelwani tshikovhi (not verified)</span> on 13 Apr 2015 <a href="https://scienceblogs.com/taxonomy/term/14748/feed#comment-1873495">#permalink</a></em> <article typeof="schema:Person" about="/user/0"> <div class="field field--name-user-picture field--type-image field--label-hidden field--item"> <a href="/user/0" hreflang="und"><img src="/files/styles/thumbnail/public/default_images/icon-user.png?itok=yQw_eG_q" width="100" height="100" alt="User Image" typeof="foaf:Image" class="img-responsive" /> </a> </div> </article> </footer> </article> <article data-comment-user-id="0" id="comment-1873496" class="js-comment comment-wrapper clearfix"> <mark class="hidden" data-comment-timestamp="1428918865"></mark> <div class="well"> <strong></strong> <div class="field field--name-comment-body field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field--item"><p>I am not certain about other countries but in SA you get fined for texting and driving. Texting and crossing the road should be illegal too. Sometimes the driver is cautious and pedestrians are not. What happens when the pedestrian texts and walks or walks while intoxicated?</p> </div> <drupal-render-placeholder callback="comment.lazy_builders:renderLinks" arguments="0=1873496&amp;1=default&amp;2=en&amp;3=" token="EvLhfGyFSybPNFcpnN1S16snC8RaztPqw3EWypULug0"></drupal-render-placeholder> </div> <footer> <em>By <span lang="" typeof="schema:Person" property="schema:name" datatype="">Lerato (not verified)</span> on 13 Apr 2015 <a href="https://scienceblogs.com/taxonomy/term/14748/feed#comment-1873496">#permalink</a></em> <article typeof="schema:Person" about="/user/0"> <div class="field field--name-user-picture field--type-image field--label-hidden field--item"> <a href="/user/0" hreflang="und"><img src="/files/styles/thumbnail/public/default_images/icon-user.png?itok=yQw_eG_q" width="100" height="100" alt="User Image" typeof="foaf:Image" class="img-responsive" /> </a> </div> </article> </footer> </article> <article data-comment-user-id="0" id="comment-1873497" class="js-comment comment-wrapper clearfix"> <mark class="hidden" data-comment-timestamp="1428927107"></mark> <div class="well"> <strong></strong> <div class="field field--name-comment-body field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field--item"><p>Texting-and-driving has become an epidemic that is a problem all over the world, not only in the USA. It has also become a problem in South Africa, where studies have shown that while you are texting and driving your reaction time is decreasing by about 50% and you also have 91% less control of the vehicle. This epidemic increases you chance of being involved in an accident four times. While you are texting and driving you are not only putting your life in danger, but also those of the people around you. I think it is important for us to start thinking about our fellow man and stop the epidemic that is texting and driving!</p> </div> <drupal-render-placeholder callback="comment.lazy_builders:renderLinks" arguments="0=1873497&amp;1=default&amp;2=en&amp;3=" token="iQQmTwC30Lq79oE1NLz1AnJMTEP2uHYRuR-iKZcUsUk"></drupal-render-placeholder> </div> <footer> <em>By <span lang="" typeof="schema:Person" property="schema:name" datatype="" content="M.Booysen (u15086705)">M.Booysen (u15… (not verified)</span> on 13 Apr 2015 <a href="https://scienceblogs.com/taxonomy/term/14748/feed#comment-1873497">#permalink</a></em> <article typeof="schema:Person" about="/user/0"> <div class="field field--name-user-picture field--type-image field--label-hidden field--item"> <a href="/user/0" hreflang="und"><img src="/files/styles/thumbnail/public/default_images/icon-user.png?itok=yQw_eG_q" width="100" height="100" alt="User Image" typeof="foaf:Image" class="img-responsive" /> </a> </div> </article> </footer> </article> <article data-comment-user-id="0" id="comment-1873498" class="js-comment comment-wrapper clearfix"> <mark class="hidden" data-comment-timestamp="1428935846"></mark> <div class="well"> <strong></strong> <div class="field field--name-comment-body field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field--item"><p>Could the marginal reduction in hospitilizations among adolescents and young adults aged 15 to 21 be because of the age difference? ie. Those that are older (age 22 to 26) are more prone to abide by the law or are more likely to be aware of what bans there are.<br /> [15000614]</p> </div> <drupal-render-placeholder callback="comment.lazy_builders:renderLinks" arguments="0=1873498&amp;1=default&amp;2=en&amp;3=" token="Y2E0cc2QZcfOT6nIdecCI-lIT1RBxtQS_lepO-0q6-M"></drupal-render-placeholder> </div> <footer> <em>By <span lang="" typeof="schema:Person" property="schema:name" datatype="">RA Venter (not verified)</span> on 13 Apr 2015 <a href="https://scienceblogs.com/taxonomy/term/14748/feed#comment-1873498">#permalink</a></em> <article typeof="schema:Person" about="/user/0"> <div class="field field--name-user-picture field--type-image field--label-hidden field--item"> <a href="/user/0" hreflang="und"><img src="/files/styles/thumbnail/public/default_images/icon-user.png?itok=yQw_eG_q" width="100" height="100" alt="User Image" typeof="foaf:Image" class="img-responsive" /> </a> </div> </article> </footer> </article> <article data-comment-user-id="0" id="comment-1873499" class="js-comment comment-wrapper clearfix"> <mark class="hidden" data-comment-timestamp="1428968395"></mark> <div class="well"> <strong></strong> <div class="field field--name-comment-body field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field--item"><p>Surely using bluetooth while driving is just substituting the same evil, I mean you're still not fully concentrating on the road. At the end of the day your mind is still dwelling.</p> <p>U14206022</p> </div> <drupal-render-placeholder callback="comment.lazy_builders:renderLinks" arguments="0=1873499&amp;1=default&amp;2=en&amp;3=" token="AsYY8OSyw9FAlyUdyBPsoQCvCcSCHAhVwj4a97a67Wo"></drupal-render-placeholder> </div> <footer> <em>By <span lang="" typeof="schema:Person" property="schema:name" datatype="">Louie-Pieter (not verified)</span> on 13 Apr 2015 <a href="https://scienceblogs.com/taxonomy/term/14748/feed#comment-1873499">#permalink</a></em> <article typeof="schema:Person" about="/user/0"> <div class="field field--name-user-picture field--type-image field--label-hidden field--item"> <a href="/user/0" hreflang="und"><img src="/files/styles/thumbnail/public/default_images/icon-user.png?itok=yQw_eG_q" width="100" height="100" alt="User Image" typeof="foaf:Image" class="img-responsive" /> </a> </div> </article> </footer> </article> <article data-comment-user-id="0" id="comment-1873500" class="js-comment comment-wrapper clearfix"> <mark class="hidden" data-comment-timestamp="1428979938"></mark> <div class="well"> <strong></strong> <div class="field field--name-comment-body field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field--item"><p>Once upon a time, when texting was a New Thing, I was texting whilst walking from a hotel room to the lobby.. ended up in the kitchens, oblivious, by mistake..</p> <p>For whatever reason, texting seems an almost uniquely distracting activity.</p> </div> <drupal-render-placeholder callback="comment.lazy_builders:renderLinks" arguments="0=1873500&amp;1=default&amp;2=en&amp;3=" token="UVfqgI1g3s4H_ZxTiTfNKbv-9F1Ussh5HuqonDpu7SA"></drupal-render-placeholder> </div> <footer> <em>By <span lang="" typeof="schema:Person" property="schema:name" datatype="">Andrew Dodds (not verified)</span> on 13 Apr 2015 <a href="https://scienceblogs.com/taxonomy/term/14748/feed#comment-1873500">#permalink</a></em> <article typeof="schema:Person" about="/user/0"> <div class="field field--name-user-picture field--type-image field--label-hidden field--item"> <a href="/user/0" hreflang="und"><img src="/files/styles/thumbnail/public/default_images/icon-user.png?itok=yQw_eG_q" width="100" height="100" alt="User Image" typeof="foaf:Image" class="img-responsive" /> </a> </div> </article> </footer> </article> <article data-comment-user-id="0" id="comment-1873501" class="js-comment comment-wrapper clearfix"> <mark class="hidden" data-comment-timestamp="1429011137"></mark> <div class="well"> <strong></strong> <div class="field field--name-comment-body field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field--item"><p>I think that accidents caused by drivers using a cellular device is because they see laws implemented against using a cellular device whilst driving as an irritation rather than a safety precaution. Unfortunately these drivers only realize how dangerous this is until they cause an accident.</p> <p>Regarding your question, Seth-Frerich Fobian, I have found that the punishment differs from country or state. According to gov.uk penalties against your licence and a fine will be recieved if found using a cellular phone whilst driving or even while waiting at a robot- this is only in the UK. It also says that new drivers may even lose their licence. The department of motor vehicles in New York says that this action will only cause a driver to get a traffic ticket.<br /> My question is: Is these minor punishments enough? Will this scare drivers enough to make them stop using their cellphones while driving? Will this make them understand the serious effects their actions have/<br /> I think not.</p> <p>Sources:<br /> <a href="https://www.gov.uk/using-mobile-phones-when-driving-the-law">https://www.gov.uk/using-mobile-phones-when-driving-the-law</a><br /> <a href="http://dmv.ny.gov/tickets/cell-phone-use-texting">http://dmv.ny.gov/tickets/cell-phone-use-texting</a></p> </div> <drupal-render-placeholder callback="comment.lazy_builders:renderLinks" arguments="0=1873501&amp;1=default&amp;2=en&amp;3=" token="UiGwPMrxXpAzPIUoXdlLqSy4X1pv_Yk7gKgMb6ptddk"></drupal-render-placeholder> </div> <footer> <em>By <span lang="" typeof="schema:Person" property="schema:name" datatype="" content="Elizabeth Stapelberg (15049834)">Elizabeth Stap… (not verified)</span> on 14 Apr 2015 <a href="https://scienceblogs.com/taxonomy/term/14748/feed#comment-1873501">#permalink</a></em> <article typeof="schema:Person" about="/user/0"> <div class="field field--name-user-picture field--type-image field--label-hidden field--item"> <a href="/user/0" hreflang="und"><img src="/files/styles/thumbnail/public/default_images/icon-user.png?itok=yQw_eG_q" width="100" height="100" alt="User Image" typeof="foaf:Image" class="img-responsive" /> </a> </div> </article> </footer> </article> <article data-comment-user-id="0" id="comment-1873502" class="js-comment comment-wrapper clearfix"> <mark class="hidden" data-comment-timestamp="1429027490"></mark> <div class="well"> <strong></strong> <div class="field field--name-comment-body field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field--item"><p>Seth: Usually a ticket, which involves and fine and goes on your driving record.</p> <p>Washington State has had a law against texting while driving for quite a while, but the law doesn't actually prohibit Tweeting, Facebooking or emailing. Recently a new law was up for vote in the legislature that would prohibit all of those, but it never got a vote. According to the person who proposed the law, most people were in favor of it until they realized that it would mean that they couldn't pick up the phone in the car.</p> <p>Well, yes, that would be the point. Hopefully it will come up again next year. Maybe data like these will help.</p> </div> <drupal-render-placeholder callback="comment.lazy_builders:renderLinks" arguments="0=1873502&amp;1=default&amp;2=en&amp;3=" token="cydVQxpoLbIaPgJIQe2L2OYuhbk2MafAm6_KDG-P8b0"></drupal-render-placeholder> </div> <footer> <em>By <span lang="" typeof="schema:Person" property="schema:name" datatype="">JustaTech (not verified)</span> on 14 Apr 2015 <a href="https://scienceblogs.com/taxonomy/term/14748/feed#comment-1873502">#permalink</a></em> <article typeof="schema:Person" about="/user/0"> <div class="field field--name-user-picture field--type-image field--label-hidden field--item"> <a href="/user/0" hreflang="und"><img src="/files/styles/thumbnail/public/default_images/icon-user.png?itok=yQw_eG_q" width="100" height="100" alt="User Image" typeof="foaf:Image" class="img-responsive" /> </a> </div> </article> </footer> </article> <article data-comment-user-id="0" id="comment-1873506" class="js-comment comment-wrapper clearfix"> <mark class="hidden" data-comment-timestamp="1429189480"></mark> <div class="well"> <strong></strong> <div class="field field--name-comment-body field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field--item"><p>I agree entirely that texting or any use of a cell phone that acts as a distraction should be banned and heavily fined.<br /> Something else that is related to this that I feel very strongly against is the usage of earphones anywhere near the road. Whether the person is a pedestrian, cyclist, or driver he or she should not be allowed to be listening to music on their earphones. The reason I say this is because when you have music blasting into your ears, often you don't take note of what is happening around you simply because you can't hear what is happening around you.<br /> A simple way to see how wrong it is to wear earphones near or on the road would be to ask the question, how do cars warn people that something bad is about to happen? Well, they hoot. So if there was a cool teen crossing the road listening to the latest pop song, that warning would not be able to save their life.</p> </div> <drupal-render-placeholder callback="comment.lazy_builders:renderLinks" arguments="0=1873506&amp;1=default&amp;2=en&amp;3=" token="GgafHS1MDWDkakExbiOC6t6afHJp6AfttYkQrhTJVzU"></drupal-render-placeholder> </div> <footer> <em>By <span lang="" typeof="schema:Person" property="schema:name" datatype="" content="Angela Rinsma (u15137768)">Angela Rinsma … (not verified)</span> on 16 Apr 2015 <a href="https://scienceblogs.com/taxonomy/term/14748/feed#comment-1873506">#permalink</a></em> <article typeof="schema:Person" about="/user/0"> <div class="field field--name-user-picture field--type-image field--label-hidden field--item"> <a href="/user/0" hreflang="und"><img src="/files/styles/thumbnail/public/default_images/icon-user.png?itok=yQw_eG_q" width="100" height="100" alt="User Image" typeof="foaf:Image" class="img-responsive" /> </a> </div> </article> </footer> </article> <article data-comment-user-id="0" id="comment-1873512" class="js-comment comment-wrapper clearfix"> <mark class="hidden" data-comment-timestamp="1429240479"></mark> <div class="well"> <strong></strong> <div class="field field--name-comment-body field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field--item"><p>Driving a car is a live endangering activity. People should treat it as such. This is by focussing while at it, eliminating all possible distractions and ultimately value your life and the lives of others.<br /> If this had to be the atitude of divers of today, laws governing texting and driving would was not going to be passed at all.</p> <p>15298117</p> </div> <drupal-render-placeholder callback="comment.lazy_builders:renderLinks" arguments="0=1873512&amp;1=default&amp;2=en&amp;3=" token="gU8m3tZpbt003EvDUK6xe63psY1FN4y89yd5i2BF9oc"></drupal-render-placeholder> </div> <footer> <em>By <span lang="" typeof="schema:Person" property="schema:name" datatype="">Greg (not verified)</span> on 16 Apr 2015 <a href="https://scienceblogs.com/taxonomy/term/14748/feed#comment-1873512">#permalink</a></em> <article typeof="schema:Person" about="/user/0"> <div class="field field--name-user-picture field--type-image field--label-hidden field--item"> <a href="/user/0" hreflang="und"><img src="/files/styles/thumbnail/public/default_images/icon-user.png?itok=yQw_eG_q" width="100" height="100" alt="User Image" typeof="foaf:Image" class="img-responsive" /> </a> </div> </article> </footer> </article> <article data-comment-user-id="0" id="comment-1873521" class="js-comment comment-wrapper clearfix"> <mark class="hidden" data-comment-timestamp="1429360262"></mark> <div class="well"> <strong></strong> <div class="field field--name-comment-body field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field--item"><p>I personal feel texting while driving is a dangerous activity one can take part in, a person who is driving but not be distracted while driving. 13197721</p> </div> <drupal-render-placeholder callback="comment.lazy_builders:renderLinks" arguments="0=1873521&amp;1=default&amp;2=en&amp;3=" token="wazHHOJ8TYC_d6kg2yhOv6QVtEDkBr1EAe9gIfjKBVs"></drupal-render-placeholder> </div> <footer> <em>By <span lang="" typeof="schema:Person" property="schema:name" datatype="">A.N (not verified)</span> on 18 Apr 2015 <a href="https://scienceblogs.com/taxonomy/term/14748/feed#comment-1873521">#permalink</a></em> <article typeof="schema:Person" about="/user/0"> <div class="field field--name-user-picture field--type-image field--label-hidden field--item"> <a href="/user/0" hreflang="und"><img src="/files/styles/thumbnail/public/default_images/icon-user.png?itok=yQw_eG_q" width="100" height="100" alt="User Image" typeof="foaf:Image" class="img-responsive" /> </a> </div> </article> </footer> </article> <article data-comment-user-id="0" id="comment-1873523" class="js-comment comment-wrapper clearfix"> <mark class="hidden" data-comment-timestamp="1429369821"></mark> <div class="well"> <strong></strong> <div class="field field--name-comment-body field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field--item"><p>5.I don’t think this statement needs any statistics or proof to be supported. Anyone that has ever driven a car before knows that your full attention is needed to arrive safely at your destination. Therefore it is quite obvious that you cannot text while you are driving. If you lose your focus for a second, you can cause an accident that may injure other people or even end in death. Needless to say, this will increase the number of crash-related hospitalization. To reduce the number of road accidents related to texting while driving, laws against it is necessary. It must be banned everywhere to make roads saver for the victims and the guilty ones. Drivers who are guilty of this “crime” (in most countries) should be fined with a hefty amount and be given a warning. </p> <p>To all the texters – pull of the road to send a text message if it is very important. Otherwise wait until you have parked your car at your destination or use a handsfree device to make a call or type a text message. I must say – the handsfree system on my phone has come in handy ones or twice.</p> </div> <drupal-render-placeholder callback="comment.lazy_builders:renderLinks" arguments="0=1873523&amp;1=default&amp;2=en&amp;3=" token="Y_ITVq1g3uam807YbXQLpZjLUuWk2jGasCUHkldRYRA"></drupal-render-placeholder> </div> <footer> <em>By <span lang="" typeof="schema:Person" property="schema:name" datatype="">Yvonne van Zyl (not verified)</span> on 18 Apr 2015 <a href="https://scienceblogs.com/taxonomy/term/14748/feed#comment-1873523">#permalink</a></em> <article typeof="schema:Person" about="/user/0"> <div class="field field--name-user-picture field--type-image field--label-hidden field--item"> <a href="/user/0" hreflang="und"><img src="/files/styles/thumbnail/public/default_images/icon-user.png?itok=yQw_eG_q" width="100" height="100" alt="User Image" typeof="foaf:Image" class="img-responsive" /> </a> </div> </article> </footer> </article> </section> <ul class="links inline list-inline"><li class="comment-forbidden"><a href="/user/login?destination=/thepumphandle/2015/04/10/researchers-texting-and-driving-bans-reduce-crash-related-hospitalizations%23comment-form">Log in</a> to post comments</li></ul> Fri, 10 Apr 2015 15:21:58 +0000 kkrisberg 62335 at https://scienceblogs.com Pedestrians, bicyclists at disproportionate risk of being killed by a distracted driver https://scienceblogs.com/thepumphandle/2013/11/04/pedestrians-bicyclists-at-disproportionate-risk-of-being-killed-by-a-distracted-driver <span>Pedestrians, bicyclists at disproportionate risk of being killed by a distracted driver</span> <div class="field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field--item"><p>It takes time to change social norms, so it'll probably take many, many years until it's as socially unacceptable to text or use a cell phone while driving as it is to start the engine without first buckling a seat belt. In the meantime, researchers say, smart policies are needed to address the increasing share of pedestrian and bicyclist deaths attributed to distracted driving.</p> <p>According to a new <a href="http://www.publichealthreports.org/issueopen.cfm?articleID=3020">study</a> published in <i>Public Health Reports</i>, the rate of distracted driving-related fatalities per 10 billion vehicle miles traveled went up from 116.1 in 2005 to 168.6 in 2010 for pedestrians and from 18.7 in 2005 to 24.6 in 2010 among bicyclists. However, distracted driving-related deaths among motorists decreased over the same time period — a trend that study authors said mirrored overall motor vehicle fatalities and may be attributed to safer vehicles. Unfortunately, cyclists and pedestrians don't have such protection on the road. In fact, distracted drivers were 1.6 times as likely as nondistracted drivers to mortally hit a pedestrian at marked crosswalks and about three times as likely to hit a pedestrian while on a road shoulder.</p> <p>"Distraction is becoming more of an issue over time, so it makes sense that we'd see these increases," said study co-author Fernando Wilson, associate professor in the College of Public Health at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. "That wasn't a surprise, but I think the percentage increase was striking, particularly for pedestrian fatalities."</p> <p>In conducting the study, Wilson and his colleagues used the <a href="http://www.nhtsa.gov/">National Highway Traffic Safety Administration</a>'s definition of distracted driving, which can range from texting or using a GPS to eating or drinking, and gathered data from the Fatality Analysis Reporting System from 2005 to 2010. In addition to reporting on fatality rates, the study also examined demographic characteristics among those most at risk of being hit by a distracted driver. Pedestrians involved in distracted driving crashes were mostly male, white and between ages 25 and 64; bicyclist victims were also more likely to be male and white. More than 80 percent of pedestrian victims were hit in a metro area as were more than 77 percent of bicyclists. The majority of both pedestrians and bicyclists included the study were hit outside a crosswalk. Study authors Wilson, Jim Stimpson and Robert Muelleman write:</p> <blockquote><p>Mounting evidence links the use of electronic devices with increased traffic deaths and injuries. Even though traffic deaths are declining, deaths from distracted driving are rising, with one study attributing much of this increase to texting volume, which surpassed 100 billion monthly text messages in 2008. However, there are many potential causes of distraction other than electronic devices that threaten roadway safety. Most of this research has examined aggregate fatalities and injuries from distracted driving crashes, but little is known about the characteristics of victims killed in these crashes despite extensive research on predictors of pedestrian injuries.</p></blockquote> <p>While the current data on distracted driving is surely enough to act on, Wilson told me the numbers are probably under-reported. There's inconsistency across states and agencies when it comes to reporting the specific causes of distracted driving, and it really comes down to the individual law enforcement officer and whether he or she documents what kind of distraction — a phone call, a text, GPS — was involved in a crash, he said. Also, Wilson added, without quality data it makes it harder to evaluate the effectiveness of interventions.</p> <p>"Improvement in data collection would definitely be helpful for finding solutions, but that doesn't mean states or localities have to wait to actually create policy," Wilson said. "I don't think anyone is going to argue that the problem is not there and not significant...People may quibble over the numbers or the types of distractions, but I think that everyone agrees that distracted driving is a major threat to road safety."</p> <p>Right now, the evidence is mixed as to the success of laws that target distracted driving. For example, Wilson said, several studies show that years after the passage of laws that ban texting or cell phone use while driving, such rates go back up to before the law's enactment or don't change at all.</p> <p>"These policies really need a sustained commitment by law enforcement and sustained media attention to maintain awareness or the effect dissipates," Wilson said. "The policy environment is still a work in progress."</p> <p>However, the study notes that there is "growing evidence that changing the built environment, which includes traffic engineering and roadway characteristics, is an effective, sustainable approach to protect pedestrians and bicycle riders." Wilson added that although built environment changes can bump up against funding restraints, it's definitely an option policymakers should consider when trying to save lives on the road.</p> <p>"We want to reach anyone who could glean insight from the study and might be able to use the results in some way, whether that's advocacy for reshaping the built environment, installing more bike lanes, creating marked crosswalks or passing laws to curb distracted driving," he told me. "It's going to take time to reshape social norms to make (distracted driving) unacceptable."</p> <p>To download a full copy of the <i>Public Health Reports</i> study, click <a href="http://www.publichealthreports.org/issueopen.cfm?articleID=3020">here</a>.</p> <p><i>Kim Krisberg is a freelance public health writer living in Austin, Texas, and has been writing about public health for more than a decade.</i><i></i></p> </div> <span><a title="View user profile." href="/author/kkrisberg" lang="" about="/author/kkrisberg" typeof="schema:Person" property="schema:name" datatype="">kkrisberg</a></span> <span>Mon, 11/04/2013 - 04:13</span> <div class="field field--name-field-blog-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Tags</div> <div class="field--items"> <div class="field--item"><a href="/tag/education" hreflang="en">education</a></div> <div class="field--item"><a href="/tag/government" hreflang="en">government</a></div> <div class="field--item"><a href="/tag/legal" hreflang="en">Legal</a></div> <div class="field--item"><a href="/tag/public-health-general" hreflang="en">Public Health - General</a></div> <div class="field--item"><a href="/tag/research" hreflang="en">Research</a></div> <div class="field--item"><a href="/tag/safety" hreflang="en">safety</a></div> <div class="field--item"><a href="/tag/transportation" hreflang="en">Transportation</a></div> <div class="field--item"><a href="/tag/bicycles" hreflang="en">bicycles</a></div> <div class="field--item"><a href="/tag/built-environment" hreflang="en">built environment</a></div> <div class="field--item"><a href="/tag/distracted-driving" hreflang="en">Distracted driving</a></div> <div class="field--item"><a href="/tag/law-enforcement" hreflang="en">law enforcement</a></div> <div class="field--item"><a href="/tag/motor-vehicle-fatalities" hreflang="en">motor vehicle fatalities</a></div> <div class="field--item"><a href="/tag/pedestrian-fatalities" hreflang="en">pedestrian fatalities</a></div> <div class="field--item"><a href="/tag/policy-0" hreflang="en">Policy</a></div> <div class="field--item"><a href="/tag/prevention" hreflang="en">Prevention</a></div> <div class="field--item"><a href="/tag/public-health" hreflang="en">public health</a></div> <div class="field--item"><a href="/tag/regulation" hreflang="en">regulation</a></div> <div class="field--item"><a href="/tag/road-safety" hreflang="en">road safety</a></div> <div class="field--item"><a href="/tag/education" hreflang="en">education</a></div> <div class="field--item"><a href="/tag/research" hreflang="en">Research</a></div> <div class="field--item"><a href="/tag/safety" hreflang="en">safety</a></div> <div class="field--item"><a href="/tag/transportation" hreflang="en">Transportation</a></div> </div> </div> <section> <article data-comment-user-id="0" id="comment-1872621" class="js-comment comment-wrapper clearfix"> <mark class="hidden" data-comment-timestamp="1383575157"></mark> <div class="well"> <strong></strong> <div class="field field--name-comment-body field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field--item"><p>As someone who cycles to work every day, this is an important topic to me. I have to wonder, though, how close we are to diminishing returns; 187.3 deaths per 10,000,000,000 miles traveled seems awfully close to random noise. Will adding new regulation actually decrease that number?</p> <p>It sounds cold, but at some point we have to accept the fact that if we want the benefits/efficiency of cars, bicycles, and pedestrians sharing the same surfaces, we have to accept that there is going to be some level of fatalities as those three very different transportation norms interact. We can't legislate away all dangers.</p> </div> <drupal-render-placeholder callback="comment.lazy_builders:renderLinks" arguments="0=1872621&amp;1=default&amp;2=en&amp;3=" token="5juZZ1gOldH9hEucLniwWv3pea-qKiu24ez0_AA89h4"></drupal-render-placeholder> </div> <footer> <em>By <span lang="" typeof="schema:Person" property="schema:name" datatype="">Daniel Welch (not verified)</span> on 04 Nov 2013 <a href="https://scienceblogs.com/taxonomy/term/14748/feed#comment-1872621">#permalink</a></em> <article typeof="schema:Person" about="/user/0"> <div class="field field--name-user-picture field--type-image field--label-hidden field--item"> <a href="/user/0" hreflang="und"><img src="/files/styles/thumbnail/public/default_images/icon-user.png?itok=yQw_eG_q" width="100" height="100" alt="User Image" typeof="foaf:Image" class="img-responsive" /> </a> </div> </article> </footer> </article> <article data-comment-user-id="0" id="comment-1872622" class="js-comment comment-wrapper clearfix"> <mark class="hidden" data-comment-timestamp="1383643488"></mark> <div class="well"> <strong></strong> <div class="field field--name-comment-body field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field--item"><p>I think it should be socially unacceptable to use a cell phone when driving. in fact it is beginning to be so in the UK.<br /> However i don't understand why it should be so not to wear a seat belt? Sure its a legal requirement in the uk but with cell phones you endanger others, which is a social gaffe. but not wearing a seat belt you just endanger yourself. Why is that an issue?<br /> Or am i missing something?</p> </div> <drupal-render-placeholder callback="comment.lazy_builders:renderLinks" arguments="0=1872622&amp;1=default&amp;2=en&amp;3=" token="4bwNYLAZjbIjZa_3DJQMg3hJEs-bMVBT9E1eNM2HQvM"></drupal-render-placeholder> </div> <footer> <em>By <span lang="" typeof="schema:Person" property="schema:name" datatype="">incitatus (not verified)</span> on 05 Nov 2013 <a href="https://scienceblogs.com/taxonomy/term/14748/feed#comment-1872622">#permalink</a></em> <article typeof="schema:Person" about="/user/0"> <div class="field field--name-user-picture field--type-image field--label-hidden field--item"> <a href="/user/0" hreflang="und"><img src="/files/styles/thumbnail/public/default_images/icon-user.png?itok=yQw_eG_q" width="100" height="100" alt="User Image" typeof="foaf:Image" class="img-responsive" /> </a> </div> </article> </footer> </article> </section> <ul class="links inline list-inline"><li class="comment-forbidden"><a href="/user/login?destination=/thepumphandle/2013/11/04/pedestrians-bicyclists-at-disproportionate-risk-of-being-killed-by-a-distracted-driver%23comment-form">Log in</a> to post comments</li></ul> Mon, 04 Nov 2013 09:13:18 +0000 kkrisberg 61960 at https://scienceblogs.com CDC: Older workers continue to bear brunt of occupational highway fatalities https://scienceblogs.com/thepumphandle/2013/08/30/cdc-older-workers-continue-to-bear-brunt-of-occupational-highway-fatalities <span>CDC: Older workers continue to bear brunt of occupational highway fatalities</span> <div class="field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field--item"><p>For older workers, the most dangerous occupational move may be getting behind the wheel.</p> <p>Last Friday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released <a href="http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm6233a1.htm">data</a> showing that among highway transportation incidents, which are the leading cause of occupational death in the country, the highest fatality rates occur among workers ages 65 years old and older. In fact, workers in that age group experienced a fatality rate three times higher than workers ages 18 to 54. The unfortunate trend was seen across industries and occupations and among most demographic groups, according to data published in the agency's <i>Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report</i> (<i>MMWR</i>).</p> <p>Stephanie Pratt, coordinator of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health's <a href="http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/motorvehicle/ncmvs.html">Center for Motor Vehicle Safety</a> and lead author of the <i>MMWR</i> report, told me the recent data is consistent with long-term trends, adding that in general all kinds of occupational fatality rates tend to be higher among older workers. In regard to highway transportation deaths, Pratt said that while the rates become more extreme at age 65, the upward trajectory really begins at age 55.</p> <p>The <i>MMWR</i> report, which is based on data from the <a href="http://www.bls.gov/iif/oshcfoi1.htm">Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries</a> from 2003 to 2010, found that among workers ages 65 and older, there were 3.1 highway transportation deaths per 100,000 full-time workers per year. During the time span studied, more than 11,500 workers ages 18 and older lost their lives in occupational highway transportation incidents, with more than 3,100 of such deaths occurring among workers 55 years old or older.Workers in the transportation and warehousing industries experienced the highest rate of such fatalities across age groups, and vehicle collisions caused the largest proportion of such deaths in every age group.</p> <p>The <i>MMWR</i> data counts incidents involving both motorized and nonmotorized vehicles in which the victim was a driver, passenger or pedestrian. And workers studied weren't just those for whom driving is the main part of the job, such as truck drivers, but workers who need to drive or travel as part of their job, such as salespeople or someone simply walking across the street in the course of performing their job.</p> <p>While the data studied doesn't allow researchers to definitively say why the risk goes up at age 55, Pratt said we can look toward scientific literature about older drivers in general and make some educated guesses. Not surprisingly, Pratt said that even though workers who are older may be healthier than those who don't work, they still experience the same subtle declines that come with aging, such as deteriorations in vision and range of movement. Older workers may be more likely to be living with a chronic disease or taking medications that affect driving skills as well.</p> <p>"And we do know that if an older person is injured in a crash they're a lot more likely to die of the injuries," Pratt said.</p> <p>John Ulczycki, vice president of strategic initiatives at the <a href="http://www.nsc.org/pages/home.aspx">National Safety Council</a>, said the "demographic bulge" of the baby boomers also plays into their over-representation in the CDC occupational death rates. In addition to issues that naturally come with aging, Ulczycki said it can be particularly challenging to change risky behaviors among older workers.</p> <p>"We're dealing with a population of people who have been driving for many, many years, may have some bad habits and not the best practices around driving, yet they haven't experienced anything bad so far," he told me. "Dealing with behaviors that get ingrained over many years are more of a challenge."</p> <p>Both Pratt and Ulczycki said that workers employed as commercial drivers would typically receive more safety training than workers for whom driving is not their primary job duty. Some companies — for example, a pharmaceutical company with thousands of salespeople on the road may offer regular training and education in driver safety, Ulczycki said — but there are millions more workers with small or mid-sized employers who likely get no training at all. Ulczycki said over the years, tens of thousands of employers have taken advantage of the National Safety Council's driver safety training course, "but we have a long way to go to get to a critical mass."</p> <p>Pratt said the best way to prevent an occupational fatality or injury is to take away the exposure, so employers should consider whether a worker truly needs to travel and whether that travel has to be by personal vehicle, which is the most dangerous mode of transportation. Employers can also provide extra flexibility and education for older workers who need to drive, she said, such as allowing such workers to avoid night driving or providing information on how medications may affect road safety.</p> <p>Of course, training is part of the equation, "but it's only one of many things that employers can do to protect workers of all ages on the road," Pratt said, adding that rather than taking a regulatory approach, improving driver safety among older workers can be accomplished cooperatively between workers and employers.</p> <p>"For older workers who bring so much experience to the job, it would be a shame for (driving safety issues) to make it impossible for them to do their job if they want to continue working," she said. "There are fairly simply, practical steps that employers can take, and workers and employers can work together to make these things happen."</p> <p>Ulczycki said turning around driving-related fatality rates among older workers starts with "employer commitment and understanding the risks." For example, he said, talking on the phone while driving, whether handheld or hands-free, means a driver is four times as likely to be in a crash. It's a risk scenario many employers wouldn't accept for workers on a construction site or in a factory, but overlook for their traveling sales staff — "they're accepting a risk for some that they wouldn't for others," Ulczycki said.</p> <p>As part of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) <a href="https://www.osha.gov/distracted-driving/">campaign</a> against distracted driving, OSHA Assistant Secretary David Michaels reminds employers, “Companies are in violation of the Occupational Safety and Health Act if, by policy or practice, they require texting while driving, or create incentives that encourage or condone it, or they structure work so that texting is a practical necessity for workers to carry out their job.”</p> <p>"Employers need to understand the risks associated with all of their employees who are driving as part of their job and address it with the same understanding of the risks that may occur in the field or factory," Ulczycki said.</p> <p>And as the baby boomers move into the 65 and older category and more people put off retirement, occupational driving fatalities aren't likely to turnaround soon.</p> <p>"If employers aren't thinking about this yet, they need to start thinking about it now," Pratt said.</p> <p>To read the full <i>MMWR</i> report, click <a href="http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm6233a1.htm">here</a>.</p> <p><i>Kim Krisberg is a freelance public health writer living in Austin, Texas, and has been writing about public health for more than a decade.</i><i></i></p> </div> <span><a title="View user profile." href="/author/kkrisberg" lang="" about="/author/kkrisberg" typeof="schema:Person" property="schema:name" datatype="">kkrisberg</a></span> <span>Fri, 08/30/2013 - 08:33</span> <div class="field field--name-field-blog-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Tags</div> <div class="field--items"> <div class="field--item"><a href="/tag/education" hreflang="en">education</a></div> <div class="field--item"><a href="/tag/government" hreflang="en">government</a></div> <div class="field--item"><a href="/tag/niosh" hreflang="en">NIOSH</a></div> <div class="field--item"><a href="/tag/occupational-health-safety" hreflang="en">Occupational Health &amp; Safety</a></div> <div class="field--item"><a href="/tag/osha" hreflang="en">OSHA</a></div> <div class="field--item"><a href="/tag/public-health-general" hreflang="en">Public Health - General</a></div> <div class="field--item"><a href="/tag/regulation" hreflang="en">regulation</a></div> <div class="field--item"><a href="/tag/research" hreflang="en">Research</a></div> <div class="field--item"><a href="/tag/safety" hreflang="en">safety</a></div> <div class="field--item"><a href="/tag/transportation" hreflang="en">Transportation</a></div> <div class="field--item"><a href="/tag/cdc" hreflang="en">CDC</a></div> <div class="field--item"><a href="/tag/distracted-driving" hreflang="en">Distracted driving</a></div> <div class="field--item"><a href="/tag/motor-vehicle-fatalities" hreflang="en">motor vehicle fatalities</a></div> <div class="field--item"><a href="/tag/occupational-health" hreflang="en">Occupational health</a></div> <div class="field--item"><a href="/tag/occupational-safety" hreflang="en">occupational safety</a></div> <div class="field--item"><a href="/tag/older-workers" hreflang="en">older workers</a></div> <div class="field--item"><a href="/tag/pedestrian-fatalities" hreflang="en">pedestrian fatalities</a></div> <div class="field--item"><a href="/tag/prevention" hreflang="en">Prevention</a></div> <div class="field--item"><a href="/tag/public-health" hreflang="en">public health</a></div> <div class="field--item"><a href="/tag/road-safety" hreflang="en">road safety</a></div> <div class="field--item"><a href="/tag/worker-fatality" hreflang="en">worker fatality</a></div> <div class="field--item"><a href="/tag/worker-safety" hreflang="en">worker safety</a></div> <div class="field--item"><a href="/tag/workplace-safety" hreflang="en">Workplace Safety</a></div> <div class="field--item"><a href="/tag/education" hreflang="en">education</a></div> <div class="field--item"><a href="/tag/regulation" hreflang="en">regulation</a></div> <div class="field--item"><a href="/tag/research" hreflang="en">Research</a></div> <div class="field--item"><a href="/tag/safety" hreflang="en">safety</a></div> <div class="field--item"><a href="/tag/transportation" hreflang="en">Transportation</a></div> </div> </div> <section> </section> <ul class="links inline list-inline"><li class="comment-forbidden"><a href="/user/login?destination=/thepumphandle/2013/08/30/cdc-older-workers-continue-to-bear-brunt-of-occupational-highway-fatalities%23comment-form">Log in</a> to post comments</li></ul> Fri, 30 Aug 2013 12:33:04 +0000 kkrisberg 61911 at https://scienceblogs.com