Cell Phone Conversations Can Be a Significant Distraction for Motorists

    ITASCA, Ill., Aug. 16 Conversing on cell phones while
driving can lead to significant decreases in driving performance, according to
a new study reported in the August/September 2001 issue of the National Safety
Council's Injury Insights.  The study found that driver distractions due to
cell phones can occur regardless of whether hand-held or hands-free cell
phones are used, and that cell phone conversations create much higher levels
of driver distractions than listening to the radio or audio books.

    According to the study's authors, the findings suggest that legislative
initiatives that restrict hand-held devices, but permit hands-free devices, in
motor vehicles are not likely to significantly reduce driver distractions
associated with cell phone conversations.

    "This study adds new data to the ongoing national debate on driver
distractions and their causes," said Alan C. McMillan, President of the
National Safety Council, "and it underscores the importance of reiterating
that a driver's primary obligation is to operate his or her motor vehicle
safely.

    "A great deal more research like this is needed," McMillan said, "to help
us fully understand the public policy implications of the growing use of cell
phones and other electronic devices -- such as global positioning systems,
faxes and computers -- in moving vehicles."

    The research was conducted by David Strayer, Frank Drews, Robert Albert
and William Johnston at the University of Utah.  The study used 64
participants in controlled, simulated driving conditions.  The research
participants were randomly assigned to listen and change radio stations,
listen to audio books, engage in conversations while holding cell phones, and
engage in conversations using hands-free cell phones.  The subjects were
presented with a series of driving tasks, such as braking for red lights, and
their responsiveness and reaction time to these driving tasks were measured.

    The study found that the subjects involved in phone conversations showed
significantly slower responses to traffic signals and missed signals entirely
much more often than subjects who were listening to the radio or a book on
tape.  There was no measurable difference, however, in driver responses among
those subjects using hand-held phones and those using hands-free devices.

    According to the authors, this indicates that the loss of responsiveness
motorists experience while using cell phones is not due solely to holding or
dialing a phone.  The scientists concluded that it was the active engagement
in a conversation that caused the higher levels of driver distraction.

    The issue of driver distractions caused by cellular phones becomes
increasingly important as cell phone use becomes more prevalent in American
life.  According to studies conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration (NHTSA), some form of driver distraction is a contributing
factor in 20 to 30 percent of all crashes.  The Cellular Telephone Industry
Association estimates that there are currently 120.1 million cellular phones
in operation in the United States, and a recent NHTSA survey found that nearly
75 percent of drivers reported using their phone while driving.  A NHTSA
observational study released last month estimated that 500,000 drivers of
passenger vehicles (cars, vans, sport utility vehicles and pickups) are
talking on hand-held cell phones during any given daytime moment throughout
the week.

    In a "Multitasking Statement" adopted by the National Safety Council in
March of this year, the Council noted that "a driver's first responsibility is
the safe operation of the vehicle" and that "best practice is to not use
electronic devices including cell phones while driving."  The statement can be
found on the Council's website at
http://www.nsc.org/news/policy/multitasking.htm .

    The study featured in Injury Insights is part of a larger research project
conducted by the University of Utah researchers.  A copy of the study from
Injury Insights can also be found at the NSC website, http://www.nsc.org .
The results of the larger project, including the study described in Injury
Insights, will be published in a forthcoming issue of Psychological Science,
the flagship journal of the American Psychological Society.

    The August/September issue of Injury Insights also includes reviews of
other new research, an analysis of statistics on scooter injuries and
fatalities, updates of farm equipment injuries and motor-vehicle deaths in the
U.S. through the first five months of 2001, a report of a study that indicates
workplace safety is a likely contributor to the national decline in worker
compensation claims, and a statistical guide to benchmarking safety
performance.  Annual subscriptions to the bi-monthly newsletter can be
purchased at the NSC website.