The Effects of Using Cellular Phones While Driving

Use of cellular phones while driving is a technology-age problem and critical sociocultural issue that lawmakers and even social service organizations are grappling with in many states. Studies and reports are increasingly pointing to the hazardous effects of cellular phones on drivers. Many road accidents and fatalities are being directly attributed to the dangerous activity of cellular phone usage while driving. Driving is severely impaired when the driver is using his cellular phone, which can be dangerous to the motorist as well as fellow drivers.

Primary Task Compromised

Using a cellular phone to talk, text or even email while driving compromises the primary and most important task of using both hands while driving.

Alertness Level

Being alert to road and street signs, traffic indicators, and pedestrians becomes difficult while driving and using cellular phones at the same time.

Dangerous Distraction

Using a cellular phone is a dangerous distraction and leads to loss of concentration at times. One can get caught up in the throes or context of a conversation and lose track of what's happening on the road and surroundings.

Aggressive Behavior

Aggressive behavior tends to be displayed by drivers involved in animated chatter or stressful conversations on cellular phones.

Skewed Driving Patterns

It is generally observed that drivers using cellular phones tend to cut lanes abruptly, forget to give proper signals and even disobey street signs and traffic signals. Such erratic driving patterns are dangerous for fellow drivers as well.