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New WRAL Documentary Exposes the Dangers of Cell Phone Use While Driving

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Focal Point: “Fatal Distraction”
New WRAL Documentary Exposes the Dangers of Cell Phone Use While Driving
Airs Thursday, August 26, 2010, 7pm

Focal Point Hang up and drive. That’s the message of new research that shows you are four times more likely to be in a crash while talking on your cell phone, even while wearing a headset. The new WRAL Focal Point documentary “Fatal Distraction,” illustrates the dangers of using a cell phone while driving. The documentary airs Thursday, August 26 at 7pm on WRAL-TV and is hosted by WRAL News reporter and anchor Monica Laliberte.

Researchers say talking on a cell phone impairs your cognitive function. Documentary host Monica Laliberte demonstrates that theory as she drives an obstacle course set up by the N.C. Highway Patrol. From dialing to answering to talking to texting, the results of her test drive will get your attention. 

State lawmakers have banned texting while driving and cell phone use by school bus drivers and drivers under 18 years old, but efforts to pass a ban on cell phone use by all drivers has stalled.

Focal Point: “Fatal Distraction” examines two fatal accidents in North Carolina involving drivers on cell phones, the research on cell phone use while driving and the debate over whether it should be banned for all drivers.

Watch the video preview here: http://www.wral.com/news/local/documentaries/
After airing on television, all Focal Point documentaries are available for on demand viewing online at the link above.

Statewide television schedule:

  • WRAL-TV          August 26, 7pm
  • WILM-TV           August 26, 7pm
  • WMYT-TV         August 29, 9pm
  • WJZY-TV          August 29, 10:30pm
  • WRAZ-TV         September 4, 12:30pm

Focal Point
“Fatal Distraction” is the latest episode in the WRAL documentary series called Focal Point.  These in-depth news documentaries focus on a single topic, bringing depth and clarity to complicated issues facing North Carolina.  From North Carolina’s economy and environment, to health care and race relations – Focal Point takes viewers inside the lives of the people most affected.  Focal Point tackles the tough questions with leaders and policymakers who have the power to effect change.  WRAL News anchors, including David Crabtree, Pam Saulsby, Bill Leslie, Gerald Owens and Debra Morgan, host the series.  Six to eight new episodes of Focal Point will be produced each year. 

Thanks to WRAL-TV’s Debbie Tullos for this capcom story.

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