Cell phones and driving provoke killer conversations Published Dec. 7, 2009 By Capt. Nathan B. Maertens 52nd Aerospace Medicine Squadron Aerospace Physiologist SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany -- Statistics show it is probably not a good idea to drive and talk on a hand-held cell phone. It is also against German law. U.S. Air Forces in Europe Pamphlet 31-206, Drivers Handbook and Examination Manual for Germany, states "only 'hands-free' telephones that allow the driver to keep his or her hands on the steering wheel and eyes on the road may be used." The threat exists, however, not only to your driving record. In which scenario are you more likely to get into an accident: driving with a 0.08 blood-alcohol content, driving while talking on a hands-free cell phone or driving while talking on a hand-held cell phone? Surprisingly, driving with a 0.08 BAC, the legal limit for driving under the influence in most states in the U.S., may be the safest of the listed scenarios. Researchers from the University of Utah found in a 2004 study on this topic that participants talking on either a hands-free or hand-held cell phone were more likely to crash than their inebriated counterparts. From their research, they found drivers using cell phones were involved in more rear-end collisions, had delayed initial braking reaction times and had difficulty maintaining normal following distances. Participants talking on their cell phones also took 19 percent longer to recover their lost speed from braking. While not a direct hazard, this delay to regain the pace of traffic led to further traffic congestion and increased the potential for follow-on accidents. In contrast, participants with a 0.08 BAC did not exhibit these detrimental effects. Instead, intoxicated individuals drove more aggressively and followed more closely, compensating with increased braking force. This aggressiveness is directly attributable to their increased accident rate over the sober, attentive driver. "But I'm safe. I use my hands-free cell phone." Wrong. This is a common misconception. Any cell phone use hinders driving performance - not because drivers hold them, but because the conversation distracts drivers from the task of driving. Drivers on cell phones have reduced situational awareness, which is further complicated by delayed information processing, according to the National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration. Do not underestimate actual impairment while using a cell phone. A person's ability to drive while talking on a cell phone will not get better with practice - it just increases the likelihood that a collision will occur. This practice leads to complacency, which may further increase the risk. These risks are compounded when people decide to dial or send text messages while driving. The dangers associated with these activities are now coming to the forefront. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates during any given daylight moment, at least six percent of drivers are on a cell phone. While driving, it is also illegal to operate vehicle navigation equipment, and it is equally dangerous. While the Air Force focuses on reducing drunk driving, there is also an increasing campaign against driving while talking and texting on cell phones. To keep yourself and other drivers safe on the road, drive defensively, give phone users plenty of room, pull over to use a cell phone or navigational equipment, and don't become a statistic.