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Pols, Drivers Dial Up Cell Phone Danger

It's just as bad as drunk driving, and millions do it

By Katherine Thompson,  Newser Staff

Posted Jul 19, 2009 10:15 AM CDT
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(Newser) – Driving while talking on the phone—regardless of whether you're using a hands-free device—impairs your attention and reflexes as much as a blood alcohol content of .08, according to studies. With 81% of drivers admitting to gabbing in traffic, it might seem that stricter laws are inevitable, writes the New York Times—but there's a catch.

"It’s a political nonstarter,” says a California state senator about expanding legislation to ban drivers from using hands-free devices. And many states have steered clear of banning handheld phones, for fear that such rules might condone those still-distracting hands-free calls. Plus, as one legislator says, "I’m on the phone from when I leave the Capitol to when I get home, and that’s a two-hour drive."

Although any type of phone conversation draws critical mental resources away from surprises on the roadway, the most dangerous phone-related activities in the car are texting and dialing.
Although any type of phone conversation draws critical mental resources away from surprises on the roadway, the most dangerous phone-related activities in the car are texting and dialing.   (AP Photo/Kevork Djansezian)
A driver, though in compliance with the new California law requiring the use of hands-free mobile phone devices, may still be dangerously distracted by his conversation.
A driver, though in compliance with the new California law requiring the use of hands-free mobile phone devices, may still be dangerously distracted by his conversation.   (AP Photo/Ric Francis)
Using a handheld device while driving became illegal in California on July 1, but psychologists say even talking with a headset can make you as dangerous on the road as a drunk.
Using a handheld device while driving became illegal in California on July 1, but psychologists say even talking with a headset can make you as dangerous on the road as a drunk.   (AP Photo/Ric Francis)
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COMMENTS
Showing 2 of 2 comments
muleskinner
Jul 20, 2009 2:51 AM CDT
to his girl friend in argentina--
schmidtkoff
Jul 20, 2009 2:35 AM CDT
get off the phone when driving. every get behind some jerk with a phone glued to her/his ear? 10 to 15 mph slower. go slow then speed up. just the other day i was coming from work int the morning. the speed limit was 45mph. the light at the intersection was green, bearing down on the intersection the car in front of me was not moving - i signaled a lane change to the right and sped past. the driver was still sitting at the green light talking on the cell.

 
cell phones • legislation • driver distraction • hands-free cell phone • traffic fatalities

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