Dangers of Cell Phone Use

LANSING, MI – Friday, June 18, 2010 - The National Safety Council encourages businesses to play an active role in National Safety Month each June. This year the week of June 21-27 focuses on The Dangers of Cell Phone Use While Driving.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), an estimated 11 percent of drivers are talking on cell phones at any point of the day. Even if you aren't using your phone while driving, it's important to be aware of others who are and to drive defensively. An estimated 28 percent of all traffic crashes – or 1.6 million each year – are caused by drivers using cell phones and texting.

Earlier this year, the Department of Transportation announced new rules that prohibit interstate commercial truckers and bus drivers from sending text messages while they are operating moving vehicles. In addition, the State of Michigan passed PA 60 which bans texting while driving. The new law becomes effective July 1, 2010.

The Michigan Center for Truck Safety (MCTS) is committed to improving highway safety. The Center’s mission is to improve highway safety on Michigan's roadways, through comprehensive safety educational programs for Michigan's trucking industry.Additionally, the Center serves as a resource for Michigan's motoring public on sharing the road safely with trucks and general highway safety.

To better emphasize the dangers of cell phone use while driving, the Center offers the National Safety Council’s Defensive Driving Course which includes training on distracted driving. For more information regarding the dangers of distracted driving or other truck safety issues please visit www.truckingsafety.org or:

Contact:
Lisa Atwell
Director of Media
latwell@truckingsafety.org
517-321-1955