Cellular Telephones
According to the Injury Prevention Policy Center, drivers who use a cellular telephone while their vehicle is in motion are at four or more times the risk of being in a crash than non-callers. This level of risk, during the time interval of the call, is comparable to driving with a blood alcohol content of .08, which is the legal limit in many states. Further, it appears that there is no safety advantage to calling hands-free as compared with calls using hand-held telephones. Engaging in telephone conversations while driving has been demonstrated to significantly slow reaction time and to decrease the precision of steering. Dialing the cell phone presents a substantially greater risk of crashing than tuning the radio. Cellular telephone manufacturers recognize these risks and have included strongly worded cautions against the use of cell phones while the car is in motion.
Telephones are becoming more compact with tiny keypads and small screens. These miniaturized phones require more attention to use. At the same time cell phones are beginning to incorporate new technologies that allow for browsing the Web, managing bank and investment accounts, and purchasing merchandise. These additional opportunities for distraction are likely to increase the risk of crashes.
Reference: Injury Prevention Policy:
www.safetypolicy.org/pm/phone.htm