Talking on a cell phone = Drunk driving (insurance, university)

[Yankeerose00]

Someone just told me recently that their insurance company told them they have to install an scrambler in their company van to block calls coming in or out. Reason being, that accidents are up tremendously due to people talking on the phone even if it's a hands free device. Apparently there are numerous studies that show that talking on a cell phone impairs a driver as much as driving drunk does. It's not the same as talking to a passenger in the car. I had no idea of any of this. I just read there was a Mythbusters show that demonstrated people drove worse on the phone than they did if they were drunk.

Personally I hate cell phones so I never use one in the car. However, I've had several close calls with people chatting away not paying attention. And Virginia seems to be one of the few states with no hands free laws. Regardless of the laws, the insurance companies make their own rules. They can still refuse to pay a claim.

Just an FYI. If everyone already knows this then carry on!

Drivers Distracted More by Cell Phones Than by Passengers - University of Utah News Release: November 30th, 2008

News Headlines

[cb at sea]

Hands free, or not...it's the TALKING to someone who is not physically there that's distracting. If you're speaking to a passenger in your car, they, too, are aware of road conditions and traffic....and most folks will stop talking if traffic warrants it. It really doesn't matter whether it's a hand-held device or not...few folks drive with both hands!!! IT's the conversantion, not the phone.

If NO calls are allowed in a moving vehicle,....what about a passenger being able to make a call...the driver wouldn't be distracted at all. That's a silly supposition!