Under the circumstances, even the third-grade math problem becomes a brain teaser. Those are the early results from the federal government's first attempt to measure how drivers deal with a potential information overload from an array of high-tech features being installed in automobiles such as onboard navigation systems and cell phones. Studies until now have focused only on the impact of the gadgets individually, said Dr. Tom Granda, who oversees Spelt's study from DOT's Office of Safety Research and Development in Washington. Spelt recognizes that some might question how often all of these systems would go off in such rapid succession. Automakers are launching their own investigations.
Many state are concerned about cell phones in particular.
Eleven now ask patrol officers to determine if the phones were factors in traffic accidents. Thirty-seven states have considered curbs on cell phones in moving vehicles since 1995. So far only minor restrictions have been adopted by California, Florida and Massachusetts. Spelt tested 18 men and 18 women, ages 20s to 50s. Each drove the simulator about 45 minutes, covering about 21 virtual miles.