Implications of Cellular Telephony to Traffic Safety

This extensive growth of cellular telephone use around the world is due to the tremendous and rapid advances in the field of wireless communications. Moreover, the societal pressures for increased efficiency, and an improved sense of safety associated with the availability of a cell phone contributed to a dramatic increase in cellular telephone use by drivers in vehicles. It is estimated that more than 85% of cellular telephone owners use their phones occasionally while driving, and more than 27% use their phones at least in half of their tips. But the rapid growth of cellular telephones in vehicles brings increased concerns regarding the potential hazards of drivers’ use of cellular telephones while driving. This is reflected in the growing number of legislative initiatives that address the issue of the use of cellular telephones in moving vehicles. To minimize the impact, some suggest the use of hands-free kits in vehicles. However, the question still remains of whether or not the use of hands-free kit is safe enough for drivers to use under all driving environments. This paper examines the effects of cellular telephony use on driving behavior and addresses the magnitude of the safety problem related to the use of the technology in the moving vehicles. The conclusions of safety implications are drawn upon crash data analyses in selected U.S. and Japanese locations. Conclusions and recommendations on actions that can promote safe use of cellular technologies in vehicles are offered.