DISTRACTED DRIVING Researchers Say Efforts To Curtail Cell Phone Use While Driving Not Having Much Effect
Reported by: Associated Press
Web Producer: Jeff Morris
Reported: Mar. 7, 2013 10:24 AM EST
Updated: Mar. 7, 2013 10:41 AM EST
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Morgantown, Monongalia
, West Virginia
Two West Virginia University researchers said laws and education efforts dealing with cell phone use while driving aren't having much effect.
Jeffrey Coben and Motao Zhu reported their conclusions in the latest issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association. Coben is interim dean of the WVU School of Public Health.
In the report entitled "Keeping an Eye on Distracted Driving," the researchers said the number of injuries and fatalities caused by cell phone use while driving has increased by 22 percent between 2005 and 2009. They said the problem is expected to worsen despite efforts to curtail distracted driving.
The researchers said new technology solutions are needed. For example, Coben said systems could be built into cars to disable hand-held devices when vehicles are in motion.
Eyewitness News is trying to do its part to inform people about the dangers of distracted driving. You can take the "NO TXT ZONE" pledge by visiting our Eyewitness Insider tab on our Facebook page or on our website at wchstv.com.
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Associated Press
