How does technology factor into distracted driving in Westport?

"When you're taking your eyes off the road to look at a screen, you're not looking at the road," he said. "I can't help but think it's a distraction."

Distracted driving is at the forefront of the Westport Police Department's priorities with its participation in the state and national distracted driving enforcement campaign, which runs Oct. 15 through Oct. 31. The campaign is funded by a grant which helps cover the cost of extra officers on patrol for distracted driving. 

While the distracted driving campaign typically focuses on cell phone violations, other technology in the car can be a factor — or potential prevention tool — for distracted driving in general.

In recent years, technology has been installed in cars to help prevent distracted driving. Features include automatic emergency braking, lane keeping assist and lane departure warnings.

"Safety features such as indicators when you're leaving your travel lane, blind spot indicators, mechanisms that slow the vehicle down when it looks like you're too close to the car in front of you, all those things are great," Wolf said.  

However, touch screens have also become a prominent feature in cars. From 2016 to 2017, the number of automotive touch panel shipments around the world grew from 45 million to 50 million. 

Westport is no stranger to newer cars that boast various technology. It has the highest number of electric vehicles per adult in the state, and even has electric vehicles in its police fleet.

Wolf said that in cars, such as Teslas, where the screen is larger than some other cars, it is more helpful because you can see it easier with your peripheral vision. 

"But at the same time, if you're looking to the right because you're looking at a screen, that certainly could be distracting," he added. 

As for self-driving, Wolf said, "The jury's still out on that."

Wolf said the department participates in the campaign to shine a spotlight on distracted driving violations.

Officers on patrol include the new traffic safety unit, which is made up of two members who focus on mitigating traffic-related issues within Westport, including distracted driving.

"We're always looking for distracted drivers," Wolf said.

However, during this time, more officers are checking for distracted driving violations, in particular, Wolf said. 

"You could see four officers dedicated to traffic safety, to looking for distracted driving," he said. 

Drivers over 17 can use a cell phone in their car with a hands-free device, though drivers ages 16 and 17 cannot use devices, at all, according to state law. 

"At any given moment across America, approximately 660,000 drivers are using or manipulating electronic devices while driving – a number that has held steady for over a decade," according to a release from the Connecticut Department of Transportation.

"In Connecticut in 2021, there were over 5,400 crashes attributed to distracted driving," the department added.

Distracted driving was a factor in more than 8 percent of fatal car crashes and 20 percent of injuries in motor vehicle accidents nationwide in 2020, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 

Wolf suggests pulling over in a safe area if you need to make a call or text and hands free isn't available. 

"Do your best to focus on the road," Wolf said. "Don't get distracted by the technology in your vehicle, because there is a lot in there."

kayla.mutchler@hearstmediact.com

Comments are closed.