Legislative Update on Cell Phone Use  &   Cell Stats


Legislative Update on Cell Phone Use

Not only has cell phone use while driving caused more accidents, it has triggered increased legislation.

All this legislation stems from key findings that talking on a cell phone while driving may actually present a more acute problem than other distractions, such as drinking a cup of coffee, changing a CD, or reading a map. Why? A driver who is talking on a cell phone tends to become psychologically "involved" in talking and listening, thus becoming less involved in the act of driving.

Although no federal laws prohibiting cell phone use while driving have been enacted, many states and local communities are passing legislation.

    *  In 2003, legislatures in 42 states considered 116 bills related to cell phones and driving or distracted driving.
    *  During the last three years, every state has considered legislation regarding cell phones and driving or distracted driving.
    *  Overall, 17 states have laws concerning cell phone use in the car.
    *  More than two dozen U.S. communities - in Florida, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Utah - have passed ordinances that prohibit using hand-held phones while behind the wheel.

The costs of cell phone use while driving certainly show up in car repair and medical bills. But don't forget, there can be less dramatic, but equally costly results from cell phone distraction. Individuals who use cell phones while driving are often cited for speeding, running red lights, and careless action - all of which can stem from being more engaged in a phone call than what's happening on the road. Dangerous and frequent violations can lead to tickets, points against a driver's license, and even hikes in auto insurance rates.

Source: The Legal Pad, The Hartford, Winter 2004.


Cell Stats

   *  A driver's collision risk increases by 400% when he/she uses a cell phone while driving. Source: Department of Occupational Health & Safety, University of Delaware, 2000.
   *  Drivers who have cell phones in their cars have a 34% greater risk of being involved in accidents. Source: Rochester Institute of Technology, 2002.
   *  Forty-two percent of all cell phone-related crashes were due to incoming calls. Source: Department of Occupational Health & Safety, University of Delaware, 2000.
   *  Drivers using cell phones are four times more likely to have an accident. Source: New England Journal of Medicine, 1997.