Using a smartphone for social networking while driving is more dangerous than driving while under the influence of alcohol or cannabis, according to research published today (2/03/12) by the IAM. Despite the risk, 8% of all drivers - and 24% of 17-24 year old drivers - admit to using a smartphone for email and social networking while driving. To carry out the research, the IAM and TRL (Transport Research Laboratory) used ‘DigiCar’- TRL’s car driving simulator - to examine the effect that using a smartphone to access facebook has on a young driver. The study found that participants’ reaction times slowed by around 38% when sending and receiving facebook messages. In addition they often missed key events, were unable to maintain a central lane position (resulting in an increased number of unintentional lane departures) and were unable to respond quickly to the car in front gradually changing speed. (Author/publisher)
Samenvatting