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GUEST OPINION Guest Opinion: Cellphones are to blame for traffic fatalities Comment By Joe Charter MailTribune.com By Joe Charter Posted Sep. 29, 2015 at 12:01 AM By Joe Charter Posted Sep. 29, 2015 at 12:01 AM » Social News The Oregon Department of Transportation reports in its Sept. 25 “Moving Ahead” pamphlet that traffic fatalities in Oregon are up more than 30 percent from 2014. This follows a 13 percent increase in highway deaths in 2014. Oregon was first in the nation in having the largest increase in the country, according to Steve Vitolo, who served 14 years in ODOT’s Highway Safety Division. Nationally, fatalities are up 14 percent, according to the National Safety Council. Local law enforcement polled in the ODOT pamphlet blamed distracted drivers and pedestrians. Pedestrian fatalities account for 16 percent of Oregon traffic deaths, says Police Chief Kristine Allison of Central Point. Vitolo believes that more crashes may result from attempts to hide cellphone use while driving. If a person drives with a phone to their ear, at least their eyes are up and on the road. If they are trying to conceal use by holding the phone below their chest, their eyes are down and off the road. An AT&T survey this year showed 70 percent of respondents use their smartphones while driving. Of course, distractions can come from other sources — like talking to passengers, changing a CD, eating, or checking GPS directions. Because the statistics are through June, it is unlikely that recreational marijuana use, which became legal July 1, had an impact, although law enforcement is on the lookout for impaired drivers, whatever intoxicant is used. Studies indicate that using a cellphone while driving (whether or not ‘hands-free’) delays a driver’s reactions as much as an 0.08 percent Blood Alcohol Content, the presumed impaired alcohol limit. So what are citizens and concerned parents to do? I agree with Medford Police Chief Tim George: Eliminate the temptation to check that "ping" by locking the cellphone in the trunk or glove box while driving. A midnight curfew might keep your teen off the road during “DUII hours.” If you believe in technology fixes, there are apps that disable text and email capacity while the car is in motion (TextArrest, Live2Txt, etc.). Personally, I question the need for 24/7 real-time connection to everyone you know. The next stage of evolution has arrived, and the vast majority of humans I see are really “Cyborgs,” theoretically "enhanced" by constant connection to the Web. (see Amber Case’s TED talk). What happened to looking up at the sky instead of down at a small screen, daydreaming, or having a conversation where you have someone’s undivided attention? These are the things that make us human. Here in Jackson County, there were 22 traffic fatalities through August, up from 16 in all of 2014. That’s up nearly 40 percent, with several months yet to go in the year. Steve Vitolo suggests “zero tolerance” enforcement for the signs of cellphone use (hitting the fog line, remaining stopped at a green light). I have noticed more weaving in (and out) of lanes and drivers sometimes headed straight toward me. I try to “space out” while driving. Drivers tend to travel in packs, especially on the freeway. More space allows more time to react defensively. Give driving your full attention and take pride in good driving habits. Here’s a call you should make: Report drivers who appear to be impaired or distracted. To be safe, pull over and put your car in “park” before making the call. Finally, the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office provides a defensive driving "traffic school" on the second Saturday of each month at the RVMC Smullen Center at 8:30 a.m. There is a fee if you are taking the course as diversion for a traffic ticket, but attendance is otherwise free. I believe this is the best four hours you could spend with family members to potentially save the life of a loved one. Joe Charter is Jackson County’s justice of the peace. By Joe Charter MailTribune.com By Joe Charter Posted Sep. 29, 2015 at 12:01 AM » Comment or view comments Reader Reaction » STAY INFORMED Email NewsLetter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Southern Oregon Directory Featured Businesses Loading... 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