Banning cell phones doesn’t reduce accidents

Share This January 29th, 2010 Cara

The results of a new study, showing that cell phone bans don’t necessarily lead to a decrease in the number of accidents, have mystified researchers.

The Highway Loss Data Institute (HLDI), an insurance industry group, analysed the accidents rates of four different states (New York, California, the District of Columbia, Connecticut) in the US before and after cell phones were banned.

The result was surprising – nothing changed.

HLDI says it is perplexed by the findings since it is well documented that cell phone use whilst driving increases the risk of crashing significantly.

It has also been established that cell phone bans reduce the use of observed cell phone use whilst driving substantially.

Adrian Lund, president of the HLDI, says they are busy gathering data to try and figure out the mismatch.

One possible reason put forward is that drivers may be switching to hands-free devices which hold the same risks as holding a phone.

For the full article go to NPR’s Cell phone bans don’t decrease accident, says study

Entry Filed under: General