Cellular phone users and nonusers were studied to explore issues relating to vehicle control and driver distraction. Participants (330 volunteers) were questioned as to whether they owned a cellular phone, how often they use it, and their beliefs about using cellular phones while driving as they pertain to being a cause of accidents and the need for laws. Seventy-two percent of the participants owned a cellular phone. This study found that nonusers of cellular phones believed more strongly than users that cellular phone use while driving negatively influences driving performance and that talking on the cellular phone are potential causes of accidents. They also had a greater preference for new laws limiting such acts. Cellular phone users, more than non-users, did not prefer laws limiting cellular phone use. They also believed more strongly that other people driving while using a cellular phone were more dangerous than themselves doing the same.
Abstract