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Those dedicated researchers at the University of Utah keep coming up with solid reasons for motorists to voluntarily stop using cell phones while driving.
The latest study addressed a common question about cell phones: is driver distraction the result of cell phone use specifically or conversation generally. The researchers concluded that "drivers make more mistakes when talking on a cell-phone than when talking to passengers."
Couple this study with those done previously at the University and elsewhere, and the message is clear: it is dangerous to talk on a cell phone while driving. Indeed, a driver using a cell phone unequivocally puts other motorists and the general public at risk.
Far too many motorists, we fear, remain in denial, erroneously thinking they're different than others and can handle such formidable multi-tasking without endangering others. They're wrong! There comes a time as technology advances when the convenience offered by cell phone use must be judged against the very real hazards they pose.
Hopefully common sense will prevail and the widespread practice will be curbed voluntarily. Otherwise government entities anxious to protect citizens from the abuses of others will be inclined to step in and impose legal restrictions on cell phone use while driving.
