Evanston Teens To Get Lesson On Distracted Driving

April 13, 2011 7:04 AM

(CBS File Photo)

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Heard on WBBM 780, Local, News

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EVANSTON, Ill. (WBBM) – Teens in Evanston on Wednesday will be learning firsthand about the dangers of texting and driving.

As WBBM Newsradio 780′s Lisa Fielding reports, if you use a cell phone while driving – whether it’s hand-held or hands-free – experts say your reactions can be as slow as someone who has been drinking.

LISTEN: Newsradio 780′s Lisa Fielding reports

“When you pick up a phone to have a conversation, you are cognitively impaired to the same level as if you were driving at the level of legal intoxication,” said Evanston Ald. Jane Grover (7th).

Grover says she wants teens and others in high school to know the risks.

“I hope that anyone who comes and listens to this story, and understands the science behind cognitive impairment while driving, will not pick up their phone; will not answer that text message,” she said.

The Evanston Distracted Driving Summit will feature speakers, driving simulators, and information on how to minimize risks, distractions and liability. Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White will be among the speakers.

The summit will be held from 2:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at Evanston Township High School, 1600 Dodge Ave. It is free and open to the public.

Evanston Teens To Get Lesson On Distracted Driving

George

WHY DO ALL OF THESE PSA WHEN THEY DO THE COUNTRY NO GOOD?
DRUGS ARE RUNNING RAMPID IN OUR CITIES ,BUT WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU HEARD A SAY TO NO TO DRUGS COMMERCIAL?
AS I WAS TOLD THEY DO NO GOOD. SO AGAIN WHY DO ALL OF THESE PSA’s WHEN THEY WILL DO NO GOOD.
Brady GaGa

YEAH, ALL CAPS GEORGE! PUBLIC SERVICE IS STUPID! INFORMATIVE PRESENTATION FOR POTENTIALLY HIGH-RISK DRIVERS IS DUMB!
Erik Wood

I think this effort will help drivers get the message. It has to start with the end user, the driver…deciding not to partake in distracted driving and this will help drive that message home.

I also decided to do something about teen (and adult) distracted driving after my three year old daughter was nearly run down right in front of me by a texting driver. Instead of a shackle that locks down phones and alienates the user (especially teens) I built a tool for teens and their parents called OTTER that is a simple, GPS based, texting auto reply app for smartphones. It also silences call ringtones while driving unless you have a bluetooth enabled. I think if we can empower the individual then change will come to our highways now and not just our laws.

Erik Wood, owner
OTTER LLC
OTTER app