Cell Phones & Driving

Right after school, 18-year-old Patrick Ferrell gets in his car and gets on the phone…

“I talk on my cell phone all the time when I’m driving but I don’t consider it a big deal because, I mean, you just got to watch for the roads,” he says.

But researchers from the University of Utah found that even when watching the road… a 20-year-old talking on a cell phone has the reaction time of a 70-year-old.

“The center of the brain that we call upon for decision making, like in driving, and also communicating is pretty much the same center,” says Psychologist Cathy Blusiewicz, Ph.D., “So it’s as is talking on the cell phone and driving… both of those activities put demands on the same center of the brain.”

“Yea I get really, like if my friend’s telling me an exciting story, I’ll get really really excited and if someone pulls out in front of me,” says 18-year-old Kendra Rasmussen, “I’ll be like, I’ll slam on the brakes or whatever. Because I’ll be paying more attention to my friends than to the road.”

The Utah study found that on average, reaction time was reduced by 18-percent.

“I think it’s very significant,” says Dr. Blusiewicz, “Because when you think of it, I think teenagers are more prone to be risky drivers to begin with. One of the saving graces is they have excellent reaction time… and this is one of the strengths and we’re taking it away with them being on the phone.”

She says parents need to set an example… and as much as possible stay off the phone while driving. And then, just as kids need constant reminders to wear a seatbelt… they will need to hear over and over again: driving while on the phone is dangerous.

“At least planting that seed in their mind that it’s not o-k to do both,” says Dr. Blusiewicz, “Much like we’ve talked to them so much about drinking and driving. Don’t do it, find somebody else to drive. If you have an important call to make, make it ahead of the getting in the car or starting the car up.”

A major committee in the Virginia State House approved a recent bill that would ban anyone under the age of 18 from using cell phones while driving. The approval is significant because the committee has a reputation for being hostile toward any driver restrictions. While the committee did amend the proposal, its approval paves the way for the bill’s passage into law. The bill, which would apply to hands-fee devices as well, would make Virginia the third state to target teenage driving and cell phone usage. The bill stems from a recent wave of teenage driving fatalities in the Washington, D.C. area, including 18 deaths since the beginning of this school year alone.

It is very likely that your teenager will pick up the majority of his/her driving habits from watching you. According to a recent survey by Liberty Mutual and Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD), nearly two-thirds of teenagers polled say their parents talk on the cell phone while driving, almost half say their parents speed, and just under one-third say their parents don’t wear seatbelts. The following statistics, therefore, shouldn’t be very surprising:

• Sixty-two percent of high school drivers say they talk on a cell phone while driving, and approximately half of high school teens who do not yet drive (52 percent) and middle school students (47 percent) expect they will engage in this behavior when they begin driving.
• Sixty-seven percent of high school drivers say they speed.
• Thirty-three percent of high school drivers say they do not wear their seatbelt while driving.

Cell phones have been transformed from status symbols into everyday accessories. In fact, cell phones are so prevalent among teenagers that a recent study found that they viewed talking on the phone nearly the same as talking to someone face-to-face. And with the latest studies showing that at least 56 percent of 13- to 17-year-olds own cell phones, the issue of cell phone usage is more pertinent than ever.

If you believe your teen should have a cell phone, it is important to lay down a few ground rules. The National Institute on Media and the Family suggests the following guidelines for setting limits on your teen’s cell phone use:

• Choose a plan that puts some reasonable limits on your teen’s phone time. Make sure he or she knows what the limits are so he or she can do some budgeting.
• Let your teen know that the two of you will be reviewing the bill together so you will have some idea of how the phone is being used.
• If use exceeds the plan limits, the charges can mount very quickly. Make sure your teen has some consequences, financial or otherwise, if limits are exceeded.
• Teach your child about the dangers of using the cell phone while driving and the distractions it can cause.
• Find out what the school’s policies are regarding cell phone use and let your teen know that you will completely support the school’s standards.
• Agree on some cell phone etiquette. For example, no phone calling during meals or when it is bothersome or rude to other people.
• Conversely, let your teen know that any “phone bullying” or cheating via text messaging will not be tolerated.
• Let your teen know that his or her use of the cell phone is contingent on following the ground rules. No compliance, no phone.

Washington Post
Liberty Mutual
SADD
Road and Travel
Wired News
National Institute on Media and the Family