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Profiles in driver distraction: effects of cell phone conversations on younger and older drivers.

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Strayer DL, Drews FA. · 2004

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Hands-free cell phone conversations impaired simulated driving performance equally for younger and older adults.

Plain English Summary

Summary written for general audiences

The study examined the effects of hands-free cell phone conversations on simulated driving performance in younger and older adults. Compared to driving alone, cell phone use made reactions 18% slower, increased following distance by 12%, and lengthened speed recovery after braking by 17%. There was a twofold increase in rear-end collisions when drivers were conversing on a cell phone.

Why This Matters

The researchers found that these cell-phone-induced effects were equivalent for younger and older adults, suggesting older adults do not suffer a significantly greater penalty. Interestingly, younger drivers conversing on a cell phone had average reactions equivalent to older drivers not using a cell phone. The authors noted that the research could provide guidance for recommendations and regulations concerning mobile technology use while driving.

Study Details

Our research examined the effects of hands-free cell phone conversations on simulated driving.

We found that driving performance of both younger and older adults was influenced by cell phone conv...

Actual or potential applications of this research include providing guidance for recommendations and regulations concerning the use of mobile technology while driving.

Cite This Study
Strayer DL, Drews FA. (2004). Profiles in driver distraction: effects of cell phone conversations on younger and older drivers. Hum Factors. 46(4):640-649, 2004.
Show BibTeX
@article{dl_2004_profiles_in_driver_distraction_2725,
  author = {Strayer DL and Drews FA.},
  title = {Profiles in driver distraction: effects of cell phone conversations on younger and older drivers.},
  year = {2004},
  
  url = {https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15709326/},
}
PubMed: 15709326

Cited By (496 papers)

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Quick Questions About This Study

The study examined the effects of hands-free cell phone conversations on simulated driving performance in younger and older adults.
Compared to driving alone, cell phone use made reactions 18% slower, increased following distance by 12%, and lengthened speed recovery after braking by 17%.
There was a twofold increase in rear-end collisions when drivers were conversing on a cell phone.
The effects were equivalent for younger and older adults, suggesting older adults do not suffer a significantly greater penalty.
Younger drivers conversing on a cell phone had average reactions equivalent to older drivers not using a cell phone.