101 CDOS: Cell phones and driving safely Published Sept. 1, 2009 By compiled staff reports 354th Fighter Wing Safety Office EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska -- Drive safer, talk later: Distracted driving, including the use of cell phones, is a major contributor to automobile crashes. Between 4,000 and 8,000 crashes related to distracted driving occur daily in the United States. They contribute to as many as one-half of the 6 million U.S. crashes reported annually. Distraction: more than hands and eyes Driver distractions are nothing new. They've been a topic of discussion since windshield wipers were introduced in cars during the early 1900s. Obviously, drivers are distracted when they take their hands off the wheel or their eyes off the road. Equally troubling, they're also distracted when they take their minds off driving -- when they're thinking about things other than the road in front of them and the vehicles around them. Drivers can be distracted talking on the phone or eating a sandwich. How do hand-held cell phones factor into the equation? Using a cellular phone while driving can increase the chances of being involved in a crash. However, cell phones aren't the only problem. Other distractions, such as looking at outside objects and other people in the vehicle, pose a greater risk of contributing to crashes than cell phone use. Why are hand-held cell phones at the heart of the debate? Hand-held cell phones are readily visible to other drivers. When people chance upon a distracted driver and notice a cell phone, they naturally blame the phone. Most drivers are frustrated when they see inconsiderate, inattentive drivers talking on cell phones. What about hands-free phones? The hands-free feature is a convenience. However, hands-free phones are not risk-free as there is no indication that they increase safety. Several Studies show that hands-free cellular phones distract drivers the same as hand-held phones. Why? The studies indicate the conversation distracts the driver -- not the device. The studies show that intellectual activities distract drivers. Such activities impair their ability to drive safely and retain control of the vehicle. In one study, drivers were given simple concentration exercises to perform while driving. None required drivers to remove their eyes from the road. However, performing the exercises significantly diminished the drivers' ability to drive. Specific changes in driving behavior included tunnel vision, decreased road scanning and decreased use of rear-view mirrors. Drivers also reduced their speed when performing the exercises. The bottom line ... Drivers need to keep their eyes on the road - and their minds on driving. PACAF Regulations prohibit Cell Phones unless hands free devices are utilized.