Association between cellular-telephone calls and motor vehicle collisions

Article Abstract:

Using a cellular phone while driving appears to increase the risk of having an accident. Researchers analyzed the phone bills of 699 people who reported a traffic accident and who kept a cellular phone in their car. Using a cellular phone while driving increased the risk of an accident by a factor of 4. This is the same risk seen in those who drive under the influence of alcohol. It made no difference whether the phone was a hands-free phone or whether the driver was mature and had more driving experience. One quarter of the group had made a phone call up to 10 minutes before the accident.

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Cautions about car telephones and collisions

Article Abstract:

It is probably premature to pass laws in the US banning the use of cellular phones in cars. A 1997 study found that drivers were 3 to 6 times more likely to have an accident within 10 minutes after making a call from a car phone. If extrapolated to the number of drivers expected to have car phones by the year 2000, the resulting injuries and property damage would cost $2 billion to $4 billion annually. However, it is still not clear exactly what component of telephone use is responsible. It still may be prudent for phone manufacturers to include warnings in their packaging.

Editorial

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