The cell phone is a useful and dangerous tool



The cell phone is an invaluable tool for real estate professionals who frequently need to communicate at odd hours with clients, customers, colleagues and family. There's no denying that they've made our lives easier, but when they're mixed with another essential tool of the trade, the motor car, the combination can be deadly. Talking on the phone while driving has been shown to significantly slow reaction time and decrease steering precision. A recent American study indicates that drivers using cell phones are four times more likely to have an accident. Surprisingly, these statistics don't improve when drivers use hands-free phones! There's also evidence that drivers who engage in conversations requiring higher levels of thinking such as negotiation, further increase their crash risk. Business calls that require writing down information such as figures or addresses, are particularly hazardous. Lawyers in America now routinely subpoena cell phone records to determine whether the driver was talking on the phone at the time of the accident. Although the driver of the vehicle will certainly be named in any litigation brought as a result of an accident that involves serious injuries or death, plaintiffs are also seeking to hold the driver's employers responsible if they can show a connection to the driver's workplace. It will be interesting to see litigation developments in South Africa where using cell phones while driving is illegal and there is increasing evidence that the law is being policed. So, while you might increase your productivity by making calls on the way to your next appointment, you could also be well on your way to maiming, paralysing or killing someone. Is that call worth it? (Based on an article by Laurie Janik in Realtor, May 2002 edition)