Study Suggests that Hands-Free Cellphone Do Not Reduce Auto Crashes

Posted on Jan 29, 2010

A study from the Highway Loss Data Institute shows that bans on cellphone use "haven't reduced crashes" in some states, and the result "had the researchers scratching their heads." The study, finished in December, compared all crashes in California, New York, Connecticut and Washington with crashes after bans were instituted, and researchers "can't even see a blip in the data." One possible explanation is "that while cellphones are a distraction, maybe they are not 'all that much worse a distraction than many of the other things that we do,'" institute president Adrian Lund said. Alternately, the data may mean "drivers in places with these bans may be switching to hands-free phones," and crash risks are "about the same as with handset phones."

In Washington D.C., a study showed that a ban on cellphone use "hasn't made the streets much safer." There was also a lack of effect from hands-free cellphones, and points out that "the larger issue of distracted driving has gained traction" with the finding that the practice does not reduce accidents. The Washington Post adds, "The report is the latest in a growing body of evidence cited by those who advocate banning all cellphone use by drivers," and it points out that the National Safety Council "called last year for a ban on cellphone use while driving."