Technology has played a big role in shaping the auto industry into what it’s like today. Cars are now more advanced in terms of performance, fuel efficiency and economy, safety and are less harmful to the environment. And with it, the industry’s future is sure to continuously evolve and offer future consumers more driving satisfaction and safety.
However, technology has its drawbacks too. Instead of improving our lives, they can also be destructive and even fatal. But more often, those detrimental effects are due to our own negligence, misuse and abuse of certain technological products.
Take for example cell phones. A research conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration shows that more and more drivers are using cell phones while driving and this is a major cause of traffic accidents nowadays. About 1.5 million drivers, mostly women and young drivers are prone to use cell phones while driving.
Based from the research, many car crashes and near misses were preceded by the driver being distracted by the use of cell phone or by other electronic devices in the car. Even the use of hand-free phones and other devices do not guarantee safety while driving. The group has noted about 700 car accidents that involved the use of wireless devices.
Among the findings in the said research are the following:
- Hand-held cellular phone use increased among drivers between the ages of 16 and 24, from 5 percent in 2002 to 8 percent in 2004.
- For all age groups, hand-held cellular phone use increased among female drivers, from 4 percent in 2002 to 6 percent in 2004. Men using hand-held cellular phones remained steady at 4 percent from 2002 to 2004.
- Motorists are more likely to use phones when driving alone. In 2004, 6 percent of drivers traveling alone were holding cellular phones, compared to 2 percent of drivers who had at least one passenger. However, drivers who had at least one child passenger (7 years old or younger) were as likely to use a hand-held cellular phone as were drivers with no children on board (both at 5 percent of observed drivers in 2004).
Driving involves a lot of listening skills since a moving car is basically a complex symphony of sound. It also needs concentration so as to avoid crashing into common road hazards, including pedestrians and other vehicles. It’s hard to do two things at the same time, like driving and talking on the phone so it would be better to just pull over and talk on the phone or drive and not use the phone. I bet you would want to choose either of the two rather than crashing into another’s rear bumper.
For added safety, make sure to check your car parts regularly to ensure that they won’t fail you, especially during the most difficult time. If some of the parts need replacement, replace them as soon as possible. You can go to Auto Parts Discount for a wide variety of replacement parts including wheels, headlights, bumpers, towing mirrors, turn signal and corner lights.