The Danger of Cell Phone Use in Cars

Cell phones are a known distraction for drivers, yet a large majority of people admit to using a cell phone while driving. Dozens of countries have already banned the use of handheld phones while driving. In the U.S., California, Connecticut, New Jersey, New York, Utah, Washington, D.C. and many municipalities have fully outlawed in-vehicle handheld phone use. While some say that talking on a cell phone is the same as or less of a distraction than changing your radio station, trying to control your kids or eating — none of which is regulated of course.  Many accidents, though, are caused by driver distraction, and any form of distraction that can be reduced would improve safety. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) analyzed the results of over 120 cell phone studies. They found that nearly all of the studies reported that some aspects of driver performance were affected by the mental distraction associated with cell phone use. The IIHS reported that phone conversation tasks typically decreased reaction times, travel speeds, and increased lane deviations and steering wheel movements. It’s good to carry a cell phone in case of an emergency, but its best to use it while stopped. If you must use your phone on the road make sure you know its features and button locations, do not text or look up stored numbers, and try to avoid emotional or stressful conversations. Just remember, a split second of taking your eyes off the road can lead to a disaster.