Thank you for providing references. I would just like to note these articles seem to concentrate on how a conversation on a cell phone affects driving. None of the articles compare a cell phone conversation to a conversation with a passenger. I will also mention these articles indicate it is the actual conversation causing the accident, not the cell phone. You asked why I need to use my phone while driving, would it make a difference if I were calling an automated service where I would not be engaging in a conversation such as voice mail, weather service, stock quotes, or traffic updates?
Originally Posted by
Vunder31
"Several studies show cell phones are a leading cause of car crashes. It is estimated that cell phone distracted drivers are four times more likely to be in a car wreck. According to a Harvard University study, cell phones cause over 200 deaths and half a million injuries each year. "
http://www.car-accidents.com/cell_ph...accidents.html
Have you read the posting to this site. This is not a scientific study, it is a site allowing people who have been in accidents to submit their story and pictures. Several postings have nothing to do with cell phones and one "report" in particular notes a woman having 3 accidents, all her fault, none involving a cell phone. Another "report" says "I was heading to school when my phone rang I drop it went under my feet. I went to get it as I look up. BAM I slam into this brand new car." Yes, taking you eyes off the road to look for ANY object on the floor can cause you to have an accident.
Originally Posted by
Vunder31
"A new study confirms that the reaction time of cell phone users slows dramatically, increasing the risk of accidents and tying up traffic in general, and when young adults use cell phones while driving, they're as bad as sleepy septuagenarians."
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/6895319/
While you posted a news article, not a scientific study, it states "If you put a 20-year-old driver behind the wheel with a cell phone, their reaction times are the same as a 70-year-old driver who is not using a cell phone," It also compares their reaction times to drink drivers. So does this mean older drivers also drive as if they were under the influence? I will also note this study observed how the
conversation caused their distraction. Do regular conversations with your passenger cause the same if not a greater distraction? What about unruly kids (I'm not a parent, nor have I driven a child), I would think they cause a far greater distraction then a cell phone conversation.
Originally Posted by
Vunder31
"Psychological research is showing that when drivers use cell phones, whether hand-held or hands-off, their attention to the road drops and driving skills become even worse than if they had too much to drink. Epidemiological research has found that cell-phone use is associated with a four-fold increase in the odds of getting into an accident – a risk comparable to that of driving with blood alcohol at the legal limit. "
http://www.psychologymatters.org/driverdistract.html
That was a nice scientific study. This study also compared listening to the radio, which is far less distracting. They do not compare a cell phone conversation to a conversation with a passenger. I think it would be interesting to see the difference in distraction levels. It seems it is not the cell phones causing these distractions, it is the minds in ability to process multiple thoughts. Unless they show conversations with your passenger poses does not distract you as much as a cell phone does I will not blame the cell phone.
Originally Posted by
Vunder31
Again,
does that also mean 70 year old drivers drive as if they are under the influence? As the baby-boomers approach this age shouldn't they be a more serious problem? A cell phone user can put his or her cell phone away if driving conditions suddenly get worse (storm, fog, heavy traffic) but a 70 year old cannot instantly improve his concentration level.