Using A Cellular Phone While Driving Is A
"Cultural Phenomenon" Says Policía de
Tránsito Chief
We have all seen others do it at some time
or another, perhaps have even done it
yourself, sending a text message while
driving, a dangerous practice that is common
on the streets of Costa Rica. A study
reveals that the practice increases the risk
of an accident by 23 times.
A study by the Virginia Tech Transportation
Institute (VTTI) in the United States has
the proof.
In Costa Rica, the director of the Policía
de Tránsito, German Marín, considers using a
cellular phone, either in a conversation or
sending or receiving a text message, reduces
driver reaction by one third. Marín added
that for some the reduction in reaction time
is even greater.
The director who is in charge of the 800
member traffic police force, that will soon
be expanded to 1.200 on September 23 with
the introduction of the new Ley de Tránsito,
says that "a large part of the brain loses
concentration in driving and focuses on
sending a text message or making a cellular
phone call correctly".
Marín added that the use of a cellular
phone, without a hands free unit, while
driving is a cultural phenomenon in Costa
Rica that begins with drivers when they
first learn to drive.
Although the use of a cellular phone is
prohibited under the current traffic laws,
many drivers choose to ignore the law,
risking a fine of ¢20.000 colones. However,
come September 23, the fine will be ¢170.250
colones and 20 points, which accumulation
leads to a license suspension.
The culture of using a cellular phone while
driving is evident on every street at any
given time of the day. We have all seen it.
Worse are the motorcyclists with a cellular
phone stuck between the helmet and the ear,
carrying on an active conversation while
riding.
Between January and July of this year,
traffic officials have issued 4.869 fines
for cellular phone use while driving.
Many drivers defend the practice by using a
hands free device, like a corded or
bluetooth headset or having a hands free kit
installed in the vehicle.
These devices offer little distraction when
taking a call, as many of today's cellular
phones can be set to auto answer. However,
the risk still remains when a driver is
distracted dialing a number while trying to
make a call or typing or reading a text
message, all the while driving.
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