Distracted driving is a problem in every state in the country. However, this is an even bigger issue in Tennessee. A report released by the National Safety Council has stated that Tennessee has more cell phone-related accidents than any other state. It is estimated that cell phone use plays a role in about one in 10 accidents in Tennessee. This is much higher than the national average.
When many people think of texting and driving, they only think about teenagers. However, studies have shown that adults are more likely to text while driving. In fact, 43 percent of adults who are between the ages of 25 and 39 regularly use a cell phone while they drive.
Professionals believe that the laws are not helping curb this problem. Drivers are prohibited from sending or reading text messages while they are driving, but many people still do it. One of the main reasons that it is dangerous to text while drive is because people take their eyes off of the road.
The average person takes their eyes off of the road for 4.6 seconds when they send or read a text message. This may seem like a small amount of time, but driving requires that one make quick decisions. That is why being distracted for a few seconds can lead to an accident.
Even though the ban on texting and driving placed in 2009, the number of people getting into accidents while texting and driving has steadily increased. Seventy-one people in Tennessee were killed in a distracted driving accident involving a cell phone in 2010. That number increased to 93 the following year.
Cellebrite, which is an Israeli cell phone company, is trying to curb this problem. It is in the process of developing a device that will help police officers detect whether one is texting while driving. The device is known as Textlayzer.
No one knows exactly how this device will work. However, the legal professionals believe that the Textlayzer will be able to scan the cell phone. The police will be able to detect whether a person sent or receive text messages at the time of the accident. It will also be able to detect whether someone sent or received emails while driving.
Jim Grady is the CEO of Cellebrite. He has stated that he looks forward to unveiling this new technology and supporting law enforcement. He also stated that Celebrite has been helping law enforcement for many years.
While the Textlayzer can potentially be beneficial for curbing texting and driving, there have been concerns raised about it. Many people wonder whether this device will work with every cell phone. There are few devices that work for every cell phone. Furthermore, people will likely find ways to prevent their text messages from being seen.
Some people also believe that the Textlayzer is an invasion of privacy. However, if this device can stop people from texting and driving, then it is worth it. No one knows when the Textlayzer will be released.
