DPS expected to submit proposal banning use of cell phones while driving Mon, 03/31/2014 - 10:10am Local News No local laws in place to address distracted driving By B. Chen blue@samoanews April is National Distracted Driving Awareness Month and drivers are urged to put their cell phones away, focus on the road, and buckle up anytime they are driving. According to DPS Office of Highway Safety’s program coordinator Fred Scanlan, an estimated 70-75% of all local crashes are a direct result of distracted driving. (So far this year, a total of 146 crashes have been recorded). The problem is, there are no local laws banning the use of cell phones and other handheld electronic devices, which have become popular amongst drivers. Scanlan said he believes DPS now has enough data to support the push for a law banning the use of cell phones for anyone behind the wheel. “We intend to have a proposal for this in the near future, and it is hopeful that the local legislature will give its approval once the issue lands before the Fono, because distracted driving kills people.” According to the national proclamation, distracted driving is a serious, life-threatening practice that is preventable. “Distracted driving can result in injuries and deaths to all road users (motorists, pedestrians, and bicyclists); and occurs when drivers divert their attention away from the task of driving to focus on another activity instead.” Furthermore, increased health and well-being of all citizens “are a direct result of increased enforcement and awareness about the dangers of distracted driving.” In order to reduce the number of crashes as well as improve driver safety, all motorists “should commit to adopting and maintaining safe behavior while behind the wheel.” The proclamation notes that increased high-visibility enforcement of distracted driving laws, coupled with publicity, have proven to be an effective method to reduce distracted driving and save lives. And this is what OHS believes the territory needs. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that 3,328 people were killed in distracted driving crashes in 2012 and the reality is, “distracted driving is becoming a dangerous epidemic on Americas roadways.” According to the NHTSA, “the age group with the greatest proportion of distracted drivers was the under-20 age group – 16 percent of all drivers younger than 20 involved in fatal crashes were reported to have been distracted while driving. Of those drivers involved in fatal crashes who were reportedly distracted, the 30- to 39-year-olds had the highest proportion of cell phone involvement…..Texting and driving is one of the most dangerous forms of distracted driving.” The use of electronic devices is becoming the ultimate attraction for people all over the world —American Samoa included—and the desire to constantly be connected, whether it is by texting, surfing social media networks, or emailing while driving, is not going to go away overnight. But with the help of the community, and a campaign that includes an intense media outreach program, lives can be spared. For free presentations on issues regarding road safety, stop by the DPS Office of Highway Safety, located on the second floor of the Lumana’i Building in Fagatogo or call Fred Scanlan at 633-7634 during regular business hours.
Posted on: Tue, 01 Apr 2014 02:47:35 +0000
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