Statement from the National Safety Council on Apple Watch release

ITASCA, Ill., April 24, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The National Safety Council is concerned about the risks of using a smart watch, such as the newly released Apple Watch, while driving. Numerous studies have shown that drivers using cell phones significantly increase their risk of being involved in a crash.[i] Smart watches, which have capabilities similar to smart phones, could be even riskier, according a study conducted in the U.K.[ii]

Drivers wearing smart watches can call, text, email and surf the web, but the watch also vibrates when it receives a notification. That vibration could be very difficult to ignore; a natural impulse will be to look at our wrist. This could take a driver's eyes off the road and mind off the drive - a recipe for disaster.

The Council urges everyone who purchases a smart watch to turn it off or remove it before driving. All calls can kill, and no text, email or social media update is worth a life.

About the National Safety Council
Founded in 1913 and chartered by Congress, the National Safety Council, nsc.org, is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to save lives by preventing injuries and deaths at work, in homes and communities, and on the road through leadership, research, education and advocacy. NSC advances this mission by partnering with businesses, government agencies, elected officials and the public in areas where we can make the most impact – distracted driving, teen driving, workplace safety, prescription drug overdoses and Safe Communities. 

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[i] NSC white paper, Understanding the distracted brain
[ii] Transport Research Laboratory

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SOURCE National Safety Council

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