Home Latest News National Safety Council Paper Describes Effect of Distracted Driving on Human Brain
National Safety Council Paper Describes Effect of Distracted Driving on Human Brain PDF Print E-mail
Written by Ryan Gray   
Tuesday, 20 April 2010 12:47

ITASCA, Ill. – Those needing proof that even hands-free cell phone conversations while driving are unsafe need to look no further than a white paper published last month by the National Safety Council.

“Understanding the Distracted Brain: Why driving while using hands-free cell phones is risky behavior” does not focus on school bus drivers but instead on all motorists. But the report was at least prompted in part by a January 2004 incident in which a motorist talking on a cell phone ran a red light and hit another car in the intersection, killing a 12-year-old boy in the process. The driver sped past four other cars and a school bus stopped at the red light, and the car the woman hit was about the third or fourth vehicle that entered the intersection on the green light.

Researchers have coined such a phenomenon "inattention blindness." Dr. David L. Strayer of the University of Utah found in 2007 that drivers using cell phones fail to see up to 50 percent of what's on the road. But most legislation targeting distracted driving only focus on texting or using hand-held communications devices.

In all, the white paper includes references to more than 30 scientific studies and reports, describing how using a cell phone, hands-free or handheld, requires the brain to multitask – a process it cannot do safely while driving. Cell phone use while driving not only impairs driving performance, but it also weakens the brain’s ability to capture driving cues.

Numerous public opinion surveys show most drivers believe using a cell phone while driving is dangerous. However, many admit they regularly talk or text while driving. Insurance industry studies have found that 80 percent of all crashes are caused by distracted driving, a staggering statistic when you consider that at least 650,000 people have died in traffic crashes since 1994.

Meanwhile, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 11 percent of all drivers are using cell phones. NSC estimates more than 1 out of every 4 motor vehicle crashes involves cell phone use at the time of the crash.

“Cell phone use while driving has become a serious public health threat,” said Janet Froetscher, NSC president and CEO. “This white paper provides the necessary background and context for lawmakers and employers considering distracted driving legislation and policies. Several states and municipalities have passed legislation allowing hands-free devices while driving. These laws give the false impression that hands-free phones are a safe alternative, when the evidence is clear they are not. Understanding the distraction of the brain will help people make the right decision and put down their cell phones while driving.”

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