Dr. Redelmeier shared the rationale for this research, the research methodology and the following key results. The risk of a collision when using a cellular telephone was four times higher than the risk when a cellular telephone was not being used. This study result indicates an association but not necessarily a causal relation between the use of the cellular telephones while driving and a subsequent motor vehicle collision. Driver attention is a key issue in preventing collisions i.e. the relative risk was similar for drivers who differed in personal characteristics such as age and driving experience. Units that allowed the hands to be free offered no safety advantage over hand-held units.
Cellular phones have benefits such as allowing drivers to make emergency calls quickly.
A key recommendation resulting from the research is that public debate is needed. Strategies for individual responsibility were avoided unnecessary calls, keep conversations brief and suspend dialogue during hazards. If you would like to read Dr. Redelmeier's article in the New England Journal of Medicine, the reference information is Volume 336, Number 7, pages 453-458.