Why are hand-held cell phones at the heart of the debate?

Hand-held cell phones are readily visible to other drivers. When people chance upon a distracted driver and notice a cell phone, they naturally blame the phone. Most drivers are frustrated when they see inconsiderate, inattentive drivers talking on cell phones. However, it's more difficult to determine if a distracted driver is talking to a passenger, tuning a radio or eating.

What about hands-free phones?

Hands-free phones are not risk-ree. Studies show that hands-free cellular phones distract drivers the same as hand-held phones. Why? Because it's the conversation that distracts the driver - not the device.

What do recent studies show?

Studies show that intellectual activities distract drivers. Such activities impair their ablility to drive safely and retain control of the vehicle. In one study, drivers were given simple concentration exercises to perform while driving. None required drivers to remove their eyes from the road. However, performing the exercises significantly diminished the drivers' ability to drive. Specific changes in driving behavior included tunnel vision, decreased road scanning and decreased use of rear-view mirrors. Drivers also reduced their speed when performing the exercises.

Will banning hand-held cell phones improve safety?

Not according to current research. A study funded by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety about the effect of cell phone use on driver attention found that the distraction of using a hands-free cell phone and tuning a radio is similar. Regarding the question of banning specific devices such as hand-held cell phones, two facts are clear:

• Banning hand-held phones, but allowing hands-free phones, is likely to have little or no effect on safety. No studies show hands-free phones offer safety advantages over hand-held phones. The distracting factor is the conversation - not the device itself. And no one can legislate when and what drivers think.
• Banning hands-free phones won't address the larger issue. Banning hands-free phones will not affect other distracters in the car, which are equally as distracting as cell phones.