Introduction
The article “Can a Law Stop Distracted Driving? California Hopes to Find Out” by Jonah Engel Bromwich, published in The New York Times, covers a regulation approved in California to minimize distracted driving (Bromwich, 2017). The law compels drivers to place their smartphones on the dashboard or windshield to reduce the time people spend gazing down at their phones while driving.
Policy Benefits
The law could favor public health by lowering the frequency of distracted driving-related car accidents. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that distracted driving caused 3,522 fatalities in the United States in 2021 (Stewart, 2023). California wants to decrease the number of deaths and injuries brought on by distracted driving by requiring drivers to put their phones away and keep their eyes on the road.
Policy Shortcomings
However, this policy could have specific unfavorable effects. For instance, if they drive an older car, some people could find it challenging to put their phones on the dashboard or windshield. In addition, if people continue to use their phones for other activities like texting or internet surfing, the ban could not successfully reduce distracted driving.
The bill expands upon earlier regulations forbidding texting and phone conversations while driving. Prior legislation did not ban people from using their phones for other things, like social media or streaming videos, while behind the wheel. An insurance industry group, Highway Loss Data Institute, conducted a study of four jurisdictions in 2009, and the results showed that prohibiting handheld devices while driving did not affect accident rates (Highway Loss Data Institute, 2009). When these states were contrasted with those in nearby states without phone restrictions, the study likewise showed no difference in the accident patterns.
Conclusion
Despite the policy’s shortcomings, it represents a positive start in lowering the number of distracted driving-related fatalities and injuries. By passing rules that encourage safe driving practices, we can endeavor to create a safer and healthier society for everyone.
References
Bromwich, J. E. (2017). Can a Law Stop Distracted Driving? California Hopes to Find Out. The New York Times. Web.
Stewart, T. (2023). Overview of motor vehicle traffic crashes in 2021 (Report No. DOT HS 813 435). National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Highway Loss Data Institute. (2009). Hand-held cellphone laws and collision claim frequencies. Loss bulletin Vol. 26, No.17. Arlington, VA.