Recently, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) called for a nationwide ban on cell phone use and text messaging while driving. This post is not a commentary on that recommendation.
It IS a commentary on the statistics that are quoted to show that cell phone usage is as dangerous as drunk driving.
I’m here to tell you, we’re not comparing apples to apples with that statistic, and I would much rather be on the road with cell phone talkers (not texting) than with drunk drivers.
The drunk drivers who are cited in the TWO studies (and there are only two) that tested a TOTAL of 42 people are at .08% Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) (University of Utah & Car and Driver).
That is, indeed, legally impaired.
Unfortunately, in Wisconsin, 83.8% of those who drive drunk are known to be driving with a BAC over that legal limit, and over 50% of them are AT LEAST twice the legal limit, .16%. (Over 14% refuse the test, so the BAC is unknown, and 1.8% are underaged and are violating the absolute sobriety laws but aren’t at .08 BAC.) (2002 statistics from the Wisconsin Department of Transportation http://www.dot.wisconsin.gov/safety/motorist/crashfacts/docs/archive/alcoholfacts2002.pdf)
Again, this is not a commentary on whether or not the NTSB has the right idea; this is a plea for anyone who thinks that it’s OK for him/her to drink and drive, believing that it’s “as safe” as talking on a cell phone. If you can keep your BAC to .08%, evidently, it is, albeit still illegal. That’s not to say it’s SAFE. It’s just AS SAFE as talking on a cell phone.
But we at the Hope Council know that chances are, your BAC will go above .08%, and now your argument that you’re “as safe” as anyone talking on a cell phone is going out the window, along with your money for fines and fees and, potentially, your freedom. Don’t even get me started about the other consequences.
Be safe. Don’t drink and drive. Don’t drive and then drink. And, while you’re at it, hang up the phone, too.
