Talking On the Phone While Driving Not So Dangerous After All

Dorianny writes "New research which takes advantage of the increase in cell phone use after 9pm due to the popularity of 'free nights and weekends' plans showed no corresponding increase in crash rates (PDF). Additionally, the researchers analyzed the effects of legislation banning cellphone use, enacted in several states, and similarly found that the legislation had no effect on the crash rate. 'One thought is that drivers may compensate for the distraction of cellphone use by selectively deciding when to make a call or consciously driving more carefully during a call.' Score this a -1 for common sense."

First they came for...

[chinton]

First they came for the callers, but I didn't speak up because I have blue-tooth.

Then they came for the texters, but I didn't speak up because I never text and drive.

Then they came for me... And no one would pick up.

Re:Texting on the other hand...

[Anonymous Coward]

So, let's see...

Me: OK Google Now, send text to Joe. Hey, Joe, I am driving and texting period Woohoo exclamation point. Do you want to get a beer question mark

Why can I not do that while driving? My hands never left the wheel and the phone is still in my shirt pocket.

Re:Texting on the other hand...

[Anonymous Coward]

and your head is still up your ass.

Re:cognitive science

[RenderSeven]

Cognitive load. Experienced drivers dont spend much cognitive load to drive in normal conditions. Listening to music, not much. Listening to someone talking, lots. Driving fast, heavy traffic, navigating new routes, and poor conditions consume significantly higher load. All this is why you turn down the radio when looking for an address in the dark. It also makes an excellent excuse to tell the wife and kids to shut up ("Hey put a sock in it, I've never walked this way to the fridge before").

Re: cognitive science

[93 Escort Wagon]

Some people can walk and chew gum at the same time.

May they write that on your tombstone brother!

"Here lies Bob Johnson. He was convinced he could walk and chew gum at the same time. Unfortunately for him, he was wrong".

Re:cognitive science

[FuzzNugget]

What is this ethanol problem of which you speak? Are ethanol vehicles so prone to leaking fumes that they get you high while you're driving or are people drinking this stuff now?