Outlawing cell phones: cell phone talkers as bad as drunk drivers

June 30, 2006 – 4:36 pm

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It seems people have been getting upset about others who talk on their cell phones while driving. Worse news for the industry, there’s now a study that shows people talking on their cell phones are as bad as drunk drivers. Researchers think cell phones are big distraction to drivers:

“If legislators really want to address driver distraction, then they should consider outlawing cell phone use while driving,” said Frank Drews, an assistant professor of psychology at the University of Utah who worked on the study.

Cell phone use is at an all time high, and anyone can see that many of the drivers are very distracted when talking on the phone. Someone in the midst of an argument on the phone, for example, might have a tough time talking because they’re emotional. The distractions can sometimes be witness by watching them swerve on the road.

The study shows that people are distracted by the act of “talking” on the phone, whether it’s on a handset or hands-free. They’re engaged with their discussion and have much slower reflexes, much like drunk drivers.

Do you think legislation to outlaw cell phones while driving will become popular? Do you think it’s fair?

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