NTSB Webinar - Evaluating the Effectiveness of Distracted Driving Laws

NTSB host a webinar exploring NDDC’s new publication, “Evaluating the Effectiveness of Distracted Driving Laws.

[@Walter_Stroud]

I’m watching this while I drive.

[@mostlyvoid.partiallystars]

The problem with these laws is they don’t really address root cause. If it bans “distracted driving” generally, well, I know a few parents who would not be allowed to drive. I think toddlers are much more distracting than a text any day. If it bans texting, then what about hitting “next” on the screen to skip a song? Is that disallowed? And how can that possibly be recognized and enforced differentiating from texting? If it bans phone use, what about the woman who decides driving is the best time to reapply lip gloss? Currently I don’t know of a law that bans that. Or eating a cheeseburger while driving. Much like banning abortion doesn’t solve the problem of unwanted pregnancy, banning phone use while operating as a driver doesn’t solve distracted - including tired - driving. I am open to being wrong but to me the solution seems to be a lot more hands-on mandatory education about the subject matter and consequences, and likely harsher punishment. From a psychological perspective, a cross discipline spread of positive/negative punishment/reinforcement with emphasis on education and empathy for other drivers seems like it would be best. Then again what do I know.

[@mostlyvoid.partiallystars]

Anecdotally, and not referring to phone use but just safer driving in general, what affected me was driving school. And that won’t work for many, especially because it’s so dull usually but in my case the officer leading the school (a 4 hour course basically) told a personal story about a traffic related death in her life. Maybe my age is showing but it made me cry with her. And though I was not some sort of speed demon texting while putting on makeup before, that experience is what has most changed how I evaluate my own safety on the road.

[@kevinsnell1622]

Could the GPS in the phone detect when the phone is moving faster than 15 MPH and shut down screens, texting, and voice unless connected to handsfree connection in the car.

[@rustyshackle917]

People will find workarounds, and studies show "hands free" isn't much safer. Short term solution is much harsher penalties for bad drivers. Long term solution is autonomous vehicles.

[@FxsX24]

What if you the passenger?

[@JohnShinn1960]

Driving is a full time job, even adjusting the radio, temperature controls and whatnot while driving is not driving. The Smith System of driving is where it's all at. At my perspective here in Maryland I belive that system is no longer taught or quickly forgotten. The Smith System is built around five driving habits: 1 Aim high in steering - stay alert to traffic and dangers. 2 Get the big picture - be aware of your surroundings. 3 Keep your eyes moving - constant eye movement helps keep you alert. 4 Leave yourself an out - do not allow other drivers to box you in. 5 Make sure they see you - remove assumptions about other drivers. The Smith System, Wikipedia: en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smith_System_(driving)

[@JohnShinn1960]

The Smith System of driving, it's not just for CDL drivers. kzbin.info/www/bejne/b6CweYubdp2tnbssi=vAh5Jc-YXNQAAYBs

[@jamesparks1966]

People have forgotten that driving? Is a privilege Not a right , everywhere you look when driving people are on there phones , phones are there number one priority is there phone not driving not the lives of there family or friends in there own car or that of the lives of all who are around them