Contact: Jonathan Adkins
(202)789-0942

Washington, DC---The Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) today cited new research from the University of Utah as further evidence that both hands-free and hand-held cell phone use are potentially dangerous behaviors while driving.

The study, conducted by Dr. David Strayer and Dr. Frank Drews, found that when 18-25-year-olds were placed in a driving simulator and talked on a cell phone, they reacted to brake lights from a car in front of them as slowly as a 65-to74-year olds who were not using a cell phone. The study also found that drivers who talked on cell phones were 18 percent slower in hitting their brakes than drivers who did not talk and drive. The drivers were distracted whether they were using a hand-held phone or using the hands-free feature. Dr. Stayer was quoted in a press interview earlier this week stating, "Any activity requiring a driver to actively be part of a conversation likely will impair driving abilities."

GHSA Chair Colonel Jim Champagne praised the research as offering a further reminder that all cell phone conversations behind the wheel can distract the driver. GHSA has been concerned that the attention given to legislative bans on hand-held use is sending the message that drivers are being safe as long as they are talking handsfree. Champagne says, "GHSA's opposition to hand-held cell phone bans is rooted in the fact that these limited bans urge drivers to continue an unsafe behavior behind the wheel. The best message to drivers is: Do not use your cell phone at all while driving."

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Note: For more information about the University of Utah research, visit www.utah.edu/unews

For the latest cell phone laws and GHSA's position on this issue.

The Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) is a nonprofit association representing the highway safety offices of states, territories, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the Indian Nation. Its members are appointed by their Governors to administer federal and state highway safety funds and implement state highway safety plans. Contact GHSA at (202) 789-0942 for more information.