Programs for cell phones and driving

"Programs for cell phones and driving"








The Lifeline Program allows low income households to receive free or discounted telephone services, in order to help them make ends meet each month. Even if they know that it is not good to talk on the cell phone while driving, they think they are good enough drivers to handle multi-tasking in a dangerous situation. This evidence suggests that it's the mental drain of the cell phone conversation, and not simply holding or operating the cell phone, that impairs driving skills. Until then, they should ban cell phones completely. Crash Data Collection: Nearly all states include at least one category for distraction on police crash report forms, although the specific data collected varies. Mobile Processing makes it easier, but it still assumes a little too much knowledge. RoombaCtrl Buildling and Installation Installing a program on a cell phone can be mysterious; some cell providers even prohibit you from downloading programs. There have already been some warning signs. Enforcement type is shown in parenthesis. An operator of a commercial motor vehicle who holds a mobile telephone to, or in the immediate proximity of, his or her ear while the vehicle is temporarily stationary because of traffic, a traffic control device, or other momentary delays is also presumed to be engaged in a call. An operator of a commercial motor vehicle who holds a portable electronic device in a conspicuous manner while such vehicle is temporarily stationary because of traffic, a traffic control device, or other momentary delays is presumed to be using the device. Florida Highway Patrol Tips This is why the Florida Highway Patrol has issued their Cell Phone Tips for drivers. Never take notes, write messages, or look up phone numbers while driving. However, if the mere act of having a conversation (rather than holding a phone to your ear) is the most dangerous distraction, then these devices may not be any safer than a handheld phone. Sodhi doesn't think that cell phones should be banned entirely, but he does suggest that their use could be restricted under certain conditions, like bad weather, heavy traffic, or on windy roads. My Dad, when he talks on the cell phone, only talks for a short period of time, only to get info or to check up on things. Even though he still is impaired when he uses it, he is less likely to get into a crash then a person having a conversation that has lasted 5 hours! The following actions: talking, listening or dialing a hand held device; inserting or retrieving a compact disc; operating a PDA; reading, applying makeup or eating will increase the driver risk factor of a crash or near crash by two to three times. For offenses committed on or after June 1, 2013, this violation carries five driver violation points. Laws Banning Cell Phone Use While Driving The debate over the safety of driving while yakking has spurred some countries, states, and even local municipalities to ban certain types of cell phone use while driving. A few other studies have also linked cell phone use to poor driving or increased accident rates. Below is a small movie showing how, if everything is configured correctly, building and installing a new Mobile Processing program on your phone can be pretty quick. For texting and cell phone violations that occurred before July 26, 2013, the fines were: Cell phone violation - Up to $100 Texting violation - Up to $100 The surcharge for these violations that occurred before July 26th was up to $85. Several additional states -- such as Maine, New Hampshire, and Utah -- don't specifically ban cell phone use, but instead lump it into a larger ban on distracted driving. It uses Mac OS X, but the techniques are the same for any OS. On July 1, 2013. Still others allege that driving while yakking is no more distracting than other common activities conducted in the car, like talking to passengers, eating, or changing the radio station. Others have found that the actual act of conversing is the main culprit, especially if the conversations are emotionally charged. A proven fact by letstalk. Some studies have found that the act of dialing or answering cell phones distracts drivers and contributes to increased accident rates. They also found that people who are talking while driving are 19 percent slower at coming to a stop then normal people. In order to be eligible for Lifeline benefits, a person must first see if their state is a federal default state. Internal distractions occur inside the car, caused by passengers, animals or objects inside the vehicle. Now try and answer these questions: Consider the following statement: "Cell phones don't cause accidents. Do you think there should be any laws regulating the use of cell phones while driving? Building MIDlets (Java applets for cell phones) can also be a little puzzling. When the purpose of the phone call is to communicate an emergency to a police or fire department, a hospital or physician's office, or an ambulance corps. If road conditions are not safe, traffic is heavy. It may actually be the issue of the conversation that leads to an increase in risk. It is also something that is relied upon for emergencies, and when a family is in the low income bracket, it can be a difficult bill to manage each month. Reach the author at gina. Looking away for two or more seconds will double the risk of a crash or near crash. The standard Bluetooth Serial Port Profile (SPP) has a short UUID of 0x1101. Sodhi says during these tasks, the drivers' range of eye movement narrowed considerably. Transcript The risk of thinking while driving. Lawyers are beginning to go after companies in these lawsuits, because corporations have deeper pockets than individuals. Design an experiment that would test the effects of cell phones on driving further. With the exception of Maryland, all of these states allow "primary enforcement of an offense. The surcharge for these violations that occur on or after July 26th is up to $93. Seven states have enacted laws banning the use of handheld cell phones while driving: California, Connecticut, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, and Washington (as well as Washington D. To learn more about traffic tickets, and other laws that affect everyday life, get Nolo's Encyclopedia of Everyday Law: Answers to Your Most Frequently Asked Legal Questions. Other people might say that they use hands free, or bluetooth to talk so they are more aware. Virgin Islands ban text messaging for all drivers. Twenty-nine states and the District of Columbia have enacted special cell phone driving laws for novice drivers (for example, those with a learner's permit) or young drivers (such as those under the age of 18). You can easily get a ticket in Florida if you become a distracted driver and break road rules, or worse, cause an accident. The following is how an individual can determine if they are eligible for the Lifeline program, and also how they can apply for this federal program. They are also trying to ban personal calls to pilots on jets. But it does highlight some of the issues that might be important in determining policy. If you are behind the wheel and you get a call, just let it ring! Why or why not? However, it can be abused. Read on to learn more. A driver who is engaged in a secondary task while driving also increases their risk factor. This is a primary law, which means an officer may stop you if you are observed using a hand held device. On November 1, 2014. When pulling over to make calls or take notes, avoid dangerous areas and lock car doors. For a second offense committed within 18 months, $50 to $200. Using a handheld electronic device that is affixed to a vehicle surface. If at all possible, install a Cell Phone Hands Free Car Kit to avoid having to take your hands off the wheel. First of all, it uses an objective measure of driving skill: the breadth of the visual field that the driver is paying attention to. Text Messaging: Washington was the first state to pass a texting ban in 2007. It is very hard to concentrate on driving while you are trying to make vacation plans or comfort a friend in the hospital. We've all seen drivers with cell phones glued to their ears changing lanes too close to you, rolling through stop signs, or just not driving well at all. If the phone company is eligible, it asks the Universal Service Fund's Low Income Program for reimbursement for the difference of the normal charge for service and the discounted rate offered to the consumer. Even if your state does not restrict a driver's use of cell phones, you should take precautions if using a wireless phone while driving. Sodhi says the researchers' next study will address these questions in more detail to help assess that risk. Talking on a cell phone or texting while driving has become commonplace, but states are cracking down. Some localities have additional regulations. Program frequently called numbers into your phone's memory. A telephone is a link to the outside world, often times a necessity in landing a job. Mobile Processing Bluetooth Library Patch All the patch does is allow one to specify short UUIDs when searching for services. I'm Bob Hirshon and this is Science Update. But should you do it? But if you're talking on a cell phone, watch out: it may give you tunnel vision. You should not engage in stressful or emotional conversations that may distract you from your primary task - driving your car! If you have Bluetooth on your phone, installation becomes a simple file transfer. It is proven that it doesn't matter who you are talking to, it is the conversation that distracts you from the road. What would you measure? The other thing is this implication that hands-free cell phones are risk-free, and it's only when you're holding the cell phone that you're in trouble. Commercial drivers are prohibited from making a phone call or using a portable electronic device while the vehicle is temporarily stationary because of traffic, a traffic control device, or other momentary delays. For a third or subsequent offense committed within 18 months, $50 to $400. Hand-held Cell Phone Use: 14 states, D. Sodhi says the research is in its early stages and doesn't yet say whether cell phone use in cars should be limited. Puerto Rico, Guam and the U. Again, keep your eyes on the road. For example, a 1997 study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that talking on a cell phone quadrupled the risk of getting into a car accident. They say it doesn’t distract the pilot as much as a driver of a car, but the reaction time, if something goes wrong, is still delayed. If you want to avoid a traffic ticket and keep your drivers license in good status, you need to read on to avoid bad driving habits. Since its start in 2004, the organization has provided more than 216 million minutes of free talk time to American troops. People that use cell phones while trying to drive are flat out, being irresponsible. What kind of evidence do you feel is necessary to justify these laws? Consider the following statement: "People should be allowed to use only hands-free phones when driving. In response to safety concerns, some states, municipalities, and foreign countries have banned certain types of cell phone use while driving -- such as handheld cell phone use, use of wireless phones by novice or juvenile drivers, or texting. In response, a number of states have enacted laws that prohibit local jurisdictions from implementing cell phone ordinances. Personal distractions can occur when the driver is impaired by daydreaming, alcohol, drugs, fatigue or unsafe practices like reading, writing, shaving, applying makeup or using electronic devices such as computers, cell phones, iPods or GPS navigation systems. It makes writing little programs for your phone pretty easy, and makes whipping up a program to control a Roomba possible. Personal Issue Teater began working at the National Safety Council after his 12-year-old son, Joseph, was killed by a driver, who was on talking on her cell phone. Why or why not? Using a GPS device that is attached to the vehicle. And Teater said productivity has actually gone up at companies that have instituted bans on using cell phones while driving. Subsequent convictions within six months of a license restoration will result in a a revocation of at least one year of a probationary license, junior license or learner permit. Virgin Islands prohibit all drivers from using hand-held cell phones while driving. A University of Utah study found motorists who talk on cell phones while driving are as impaired as drunken drivers with a blood alcohol level at the legal limit of 0. In most of these states, you can be pulled over and cited for texting as a primary offense. NOTE: GHSA does not compile any additional data on distracted driving laws other than what is presented here. And juries and judges are handing out huge awards. Who is eligible for a Lifeline Government Phone? Currently, 46 states, D. A cell phone is useful in emergencies and is definitely convenient. If you must do any of these things, pull over. Here's the rundown of those laws. When people actually stop and think about what is happening around them on the road, they will realize that using a cell phone while driving is very hazardous towards their safety. Bans in Foreign Countries The list of foreign countries that have some sort of cell phone ban for drivers is a long one. These states include Delaware, Hawaii, Indiana, Iowa, Louisiana, New Hampshire, North Dakota and South Dakota. Cell Phones for Soldiers is a national nonprofit serving U. You'll find out why in this Science Update. Some believe that devices such as Bluetooth and similar products in which cell phone calls are transmitted through the car's built-in microphone may be the safest way to go. First of all, using a cell phone while you drive puts you and all the other drivers on the road at risk. All but 5 have primary enforcement. For example, in California, drivers under the age of 18 cannot use any type of communication device while driving. Here are some suggestions for making cell phone use safer in your car: When possible, make calls when your car is not moving. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), at any given time, more than ten million drivers in the United States are using cell phones. Secondly, by focusing on the mental challenges of using a cell phone, the researchers can respond to the argument that hands-free phones are okay. So as you can see that using a cell phone while you drive is very dangerous and it should be outlawed. Maybe in the future, they will make something that doesn’t distract you, at all, on the phone, or maybe, make a car that can drive itself to your designation. If possible, ask a passenger to make or take a call for you. Making Sense of the Research Ever since cell phones became a part of our national culture, scientists and lay people alike have debated their impact on driving skills. One of the biggest causes of accidents in Florida is distracted drivers. For the American Association for the Advancement of Science, I'm Bob Hirshon. Of the 4 states without an all driver texting ban: 2 prohibit text messaging by novice drivers. How far should they go? For more information, consult the appropriate State Highway Safety Office. If a consumer needs assistance with telephone service, the consumer applies for the program through his or her local telephone company. More research should help us understand just how serious the cell phone problem is. Most make an exception for emergency calls to police, the fire department, medical personnel, and the like. Exceptions to the Laws When the driver uses a hands-free mobile telephone, which allows the user to communicate without the use of either hand. In case you still don’t feel convinced, just wait. Although the phones are crushed and recycled, Scheuer said it’s a good idea to do a factory reset -- which wipes away personal data. If the caller wants to talk to you, he will leave a message. Know when it is safe to talk on your cell phone. Novice or juvenile drivers. While many people argue that talking on a cell phone is no more dangerous than listening to the radio or speaking to a passenger in the car, Teater says research proves just the opposite. External distractions occur outside the car like other motorists, inclement weather, deteriorated road conditions, or even the scenery. If you suddenly need to make a call, pull over and stop your car as soon as you can. And International Paper settled for $5. Thankfully, Mobile Processing wraps up the ugly details, like Processing does for normal Java. It’s also a great way to keep your antiquated cellphone out of a landfill. I ended up learning how to write Java MIDlets by hand. Driver inattention due to drowsiness will increase the risk of a crash or near crash by at least four times. It's just that people who use cell phones a lot tend to be bad drivers. Not all people are at fault. Clean out your desk drawers and storage bins and bring us your old cell phones and support this great cause. State Bans A number of states have outlawed handheld cell phone use while driving, or have banned cell phone use for certain types of drivers. Fairfield, ME Using a cell phone while driving could be considered as being just as bad as driving under the influence. Researchers have found that using a hands-free device is not necessarily safer than using a handheld phone. That may not be the case. By studying each driver's visual field, with and without distractions like cell phones, the researchers can eliminate the possibility that people who use cell phones just happen to be bad drivers. If talking on your cell phone is going to distract you, don't use it while driving. When operating an authorized emergency vehicle in the performance of official duties. The National Safety Council's site called Safety on the Road provides information and resources about staying safe on the road. You can also skip this process and browse providers for your state by clicking here. To Call or Not to Call? Learn More About Distracted Driving All Cell Phone Use: No state bans all cell phone use for all drivers, but 38 states and D. If you must dial while driving, hold the phone at eye level so you can see the road. A Study by the University of Utah showed that it doesn't matter if you are using a bluetooth headset, handsfree, or holding the phone, they all have the same effect on your driving. For offenses committed between October 5, 2011 and May 31, 2013, the violation carried three driver violation points. For a first offense, $50 to $150. All my recent phones have had Bluetooth. Make safe driving your first priority. For most Americans, having a telephone is a necessity. Keep conversations short and don't discuss emotional topics. Keep your phone within easy reach. Depending on the time of the year, some carriers may submit the form for up to 25 months. Manbir Sodhi of the University of Rhode Island and his colleagues tracked the eye movement of drivers while they performed various cognitive tasks, like memorizing a list or doing a mental calculation. How would you measure it? Use speed dial or keep all numbers handy. In most of these states, the laws allow for primary enforcement. If you must use your cell phone while driving -- DO keep these things in mind. Application Process You can quickly get started by entering your zip code in the box at the top of this page, we will then help you locate Lifeline providers in your area and provide you with information on how to apply. But getting a devkit for a phone was expensive and phone-specific. They’ve also recycled more than 11. They also found out that talking to someone in the car with you is as dangerous. If that is indeed attention, then you're not paying as much attention or you're not looking around as much, perhaps not picking up as much detail as you would otherwise. Only people who use their cell phones for prolonged times are really at risk. On the other hand, physical tasks, like adjusting the radio, had a relatively small and brief impact on the driver's visual field. Companies Ban Cell Phone Use While Driving Many Fortune 500 companies, like UPS, Dupont, Chevron and Time Warner, have already banned employees from using cell phones while driving. A second such conviction within six months will result in: a revocation of at least 6 months of a probationary license. You should not talk on the cell phone during hazardous driving conditions. The Model Minimum Uniform Crash Criteria (MMUCC) guideline provides best practices on distraction data collection. Don't take notes or look up numbers while driving. The Washington Post reported that a jury awarded a Florida family $21 million after a 32-year-old woman was killed in a cell phone-related car accident. Teater said larger companies are ahead of other businesses on this issue, because they have people dedicated to ensuring workplace safety. Puerto Rico, Guam and the U. And the scope of liability is broad. A Texas jury ordered Coca Cola to pay $21 million to a 37-year-old woman, who suffered nerve damage to her back after she was hit by a car driven by a Coca Cola sales person talking on a cell phone. Local Bans Some towns and cities have banned certain types of cell phone use while driving. Advertisement Anyone wishing to drop off their old phones can do so, Monday through Friday between the hours of 10 a. So as you can see, cell phones, all cell phones, should be banned while driving. Eighteen states plus the District of Columbia have banned school bus drivers from using cell phones while passengers are present. These distractions can be personal, external or internal. And though they are accepted all year long, there is always a push for more during the holidays. For each family that applies for the Lifeline or Link Up program, the telecommunications carrier must provide the Universal Service Fund's Low Income Program with For 497. When these distractions occur behind the wheel of a motor vehicle the consequences can be far reaching or even deadly. Though the truth is, it doesn't matter who you are, or what your good at, anyone who uses a cell phone while driving makes you just as vulnerable as anyone else who does it. Most of these ban handheld cell phones, not hands-free devices. Twenty-nine states, Washington D. When people are searching for a free government cell phone, they are usually trying to find information on the Lifeline Program. Keep Your Eyes on the Road If you are expecting calls or know that you will be placing calls while you are behind the wheel, make preparations. All the Roomba Bluetooth adapters appear as normal serial ports using SPP. On November 1, 2014. Ask someone who routinely chats on a cell phone in their car, and they might insist it doesn't affect their driving. In recent years, the most frequent form of distraction while driving has been due to cell phone use and texting. Many drivers spend more time fiddling with the earpieces or headphones of their hands-free device than they would dialing a handheld cell phone, and volume problems with hands-free phones have been cited as creating distractions for the driver. It is illegal for drivers to use handheld electronic devices while their vehicle is in motion. The less dialing, the better. For individuals who reside in a federal default state, an individual must be enrolled in one of the following federal programs in order to be eligible for Lifeline service: Federal Public Housing Assistance, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, Medicaid, National School Lunch Program, Supplemental Security Income and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families. Drivers who engage in lengthy or involved conversations are just asking for trouble. For more information visit matt-to-go. No matter what precautions you take to pay attention to the road, you are still in danger while using a cell phone. UUID_SERIALPORT); Conceivably, you could add additional static defines for the other pre-defined Bluetooth UUIDs. If you don’t agree with me now, you will agree with me when you get in a crash because of your cell phone! Mattress To Go is putting a call out for old phones in support of the holiday donation drive benefitting the Cell Phones for Soldiers program. Don't make calls in heavy traffic or bad weather. In this experiment, a simulated cell phone conversation narrowed the drivers' visual field in a manner similar to that of other mental tasks, like remembering lists and making calculations. The research conducted by Sodhi, psychology professor Jeffrey Cohen, and colleagues has a couple of key features. The carrier must file the form monthly or quarterly. How would you check to see if either of the above arguments was valid?