Concerns have been raised about the safety implications of using cellular telephones while driving. In response, the NHTSA initiated a data- and information-gathering effort to help ensure that the public, the wireless industry, and the states have sufficient knowledge upon which to make informed decisions regarding the issues, to identify needed initiatives and research, and to explore the broader safety issues associated with use of these systems. Findings indicate a lack of systematic crash data collection that would help characterise cellular-telephone-related crashes. A review of the limited crash data available revealed that conversation (as opposed to dialling, hanging up, or reaching for the phone) appears to be the principal factor associated most with crashes. The data suggest that as drivers increase their use of in-vehicle wireless communication devices there will be an associated increase in related crashes. Commentary provided by Neville Moray, "Commentary on Goodman, Tijerina, Bents, and Wierville, Using Cellular Telephones in Vehicles: Safe or Unsafe?"; P.A. Hancock and S.F. Scallen, "The Driving Question"; Alison Smiley, "Commentary on 'Using Cellular Telephones in Vehicles: Safe or Unsafe?'", and the authors' reply is included. (A)
Abstract