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News
Issue #2002 - 14
(April 2002)
(Updated Apr.
10, 2002)
TECHNOLOGY
Driving while using a Mobile Phone
= Driving while Impaired
Driving and talking on a
mobile phone is more dangerous than driving under the influence of
alcohol, according to a new study released by Direct Line, a British
insurance company.
After the release of a survey that revealed four out of ten
British drivers admitted to using a mobile phone while driving,
Direct Line felt it necessary to commission the U.K. Transportation
Research Laboratory (TRL) to conduct a study to quantify the risk.
Over a three-month period, scientists at TRL tested the reaction
times of and driving performance of volunteers using a driving
simulator. The participants were tested while driving using a
handheld mobile phone and a hands-free phone, and then under the
influence of alcohol, consuming enough to be deemed ‘legally
impaired.’ In Britain, the legal alcohol limit is 80 mg per 100
ml, or .8 percent.
Results
- Under normal driving conditions, motorists were 50 percent
slower reacting to road conditions while using a handheld mobile
phone. Driver performance such as being able to maintain a
constant speed and keeping a safe distance from the car in front
was also impaired.
- Drivers’ reaction times were on average 30 percent slower
when talking on a handheld phone compared to being drunk
- While using a handheld phone, it took drivers on average half
a second longer to react than normal, and a third of a second
longer to react when impaired. (Researchers noted that at 70
mph, this half a second distance is equal to traveling an
additional 14 meters before reacting to a hazard.)
- When using a hands-free device, drivers missed more warning
signs than when legally impaired.
Commenting on the study’s findings, Dominic Burch, Direct Line’s
road and safety campaign manager, said, "Most people accept
that talking on a mobile phone while driving is distracting,
however, many drivers don’t appreciate how dangerous it is."
Even though drunk driving is clearly seen as a danger, "we
were surprised to discover that talking on a mobile phone is
actually more dangerous than being drunk behind the wheel," he
added.
Direct Line plans to support legislation for a total ban on the
use of mobile phones behind the wheel and to advocate for a
nationwide public awareness campaign informing drivers to the
implications of using mobile phones.
"Eventually we would like to see the use of mobile phones
when driving, both handheld and hands-free, become as socially
unacceptable as drunk driving," Burch explained.
For more information: http://www.trl.co.uk/
Mobileinfo Comments & Advisory: There
is enough evidence now to let cellular industry know that cellular
phones are unsafe while driving. While we feel enthusiastic about
wireless and mobile applications, we are equally cognizant of
striking a balance between public safety and individual need to
communicate while driving. Fiddling with the phone in order to
respond immediately and resultant delay in reaction time to
surrounding emergencies can be solved by hands-free telephones,
longer ring cycles and distinguishing ring tones for urgent calls.
Those who violate this requirement should suffer the same
consequences as the seat belt law violators. There is nothing more
important than human life. We must build technology that does not
violate this fundamental requirement.
Note: This news release may contain
forward-looking statements. Readers should take appropriate caution in
developing plans utilizing these products, services and technology
architectures. All trademarks used in this summary are
the property of their respective owners.
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