The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration last week publicly warned drivers not to use cell phones. Four small towns and several counties across the country have banned the use of cell phones while driving. There are risks in using cell phones, and they are real. Mass. They also analyzed existing research, including a Canadian study that found the risk of having a minor accident was four times higher when a motorist is talking on a phone. There are fewer fatalities involving cell phones because most calls are made during rush hour when people are driving at fairly moderate speeds, Cohen says.
Most accidents involving alcohol, on the other hand, are high-speed crashes at night.
From discussions with the focus groups, Harvard researchers found the benefits of using cell phones outweighed the risks. They say it would be premature to restrict cell phone use. The benefits cited include improved peace of mind, ability to contact emergency service and reduce the response time, increased productive time and more effective apprehension of drunken drivers. The researchers also say it would be more cost effective to reduce driving fatalities by lowering the speed limit from 65 to 55 in rural areas than by restricting cellular phone use. Using the Internet to meet someone online is a very convenient, effective and enjoyable experience.