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The Risk of Using a Mobile Phone While Driving (2002)
Mobile phones first appeared in Britain during the 1980s, but were expensive and bulky. However, modern mobile phones are small, compact, easy to use and have become an essential part of life for many people.
However, there is considerable concern that using a mobile phone while driving creates a significant accident risk, to the user and to other people on the road, because it distracts the
driver, impairs their control of the vehicle and reduces their awareness of what is happening on the road around them.
This Review examines the effects that using a mobile phone while driving has on driving performance and on accident risk. Read the full review... (PDF 257kb)
Using Mobile Phones While Driving
A substantial body of research shows that using a hand-held or hands-free mobile phone while driving is a significant distraction, and substantially increases the risk of the driver crashing.
Browse our advice:
Drivers who use a mobile phone, whether hand-held or hands-free are four times more likely to crash, injuring or killing themselves and/or other people.
Using a hands-free phone while driving does not significantly reduce the risks because the problems are caused mainly by the mental distraction and divided attention of taking part in a phone conversation at the same time as driving.
For all Road Safety enquiries telephone: +44 (0)121 248 2000 or email: help@rospa.com