One wonders if driving has become the distraction or is it all the other multi-tasking, be it texting, operating an I-pod or radio, or watching the latest car gizmo out of Japan.
Distracted driving has become a national challenge and it is not getting any better. Nearly 5,500 people died in 2009 due to distracted driving.
The distraction is often the result of new technology or a new application of technology in motor vehicles.
It will likely get worse.
In recent weeks, we have read reports about new car technology that would allow drivers to surf the Web, update social media or do other things, while driving.
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Entertainment within the vehicle has become the primary focus over the basic need of transportation.
The U.S. Department of Transportation is holding its second major conference on distracted driving, due to the increasing threat.
A South Dakota fatal collision Monday night was caused by a young adult texting while driving his pickup. The driver's vehicle rammed a motorcycle stopped at a construction site, killing the motorcycle driver.
The safety of our roads depends on safe practices by every driver on the road as well as motor vehicle design. A significant increase in vehicle entertainment can have a negative impact on overall road safety.
West Central Tribune
