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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 slow driver reactions by 18% and double collision rates, making young drivers perform like distracted seniors.

Plain English Summary

Summary written for general audiences

University of Utah researchers studied how hands-free cell phone conversations affect driving performance in both younger and older adults using driving simulators. They found that phone conversations made reactions 18% slower, increased following distance by 12%, and doubled the number of rear-end collisions for drivers of all ages. The impairment was so significant that young drivers talking on phones performed as poorly as older drivers who weren't using phones at all.

Why This Matters

This research reveals a critical safety issue that extends beyond simple distraction. The science demonstrates that cell phone conversations fundamentally alter brain function in ways that compromise reaction time and spatial awareness, regardless of age. What makes this particularly concerning is that the effects occurred with hands-free devices, which many people assume are safer alternatives. The reality is that the cognitive load of processing phone conversations competes directly with the mental resources needed for safe driving. The 18% slower reaction times and doubled collision rates aren't just statistics - they represent thousands of preventable accidents on our roads every day. This study underscores why understanding EMF device impacts goes beyond just radiation exposure to include the broader neurological effects of our wireless technology dependence.

Exposure Information

Specific exposure levels were not quantified in this study.

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

Yes, hands-free cell phone conversations double rear-end collision rates according to University of Utah research. The study found drivers talking on phones had 18% slower reactions and took 17% longer to recover speed after braking, regardless of age.
No, young drivers using cell phones perform as poorly as older drivers without phones. University of Utah researchers found phone conversations impaired driving equally across age groups, with both experiencing doubled collision rates and significantly slower reactions.
Cell phone conversations slow driving reactions by 18% and increase following distance by 12%. University of Utah driving simulator research showed these impairments occurred equally in both younger and older drivers during hands-free phone use.
Yes, University of Utah driving simulators revealed significant phone-related impairments including doubled rear-end collisions and 18% slower reactions. The controlled environment allowed researchers to precisely measure how hands-free conversations affect driving performance across age groups.
Yes, because phone conversations impair driving equally across ages. University of Utah research found both younger and older drivers experienced identical performance decreases, including doubled collision rates, suggesting age-neutral mobile technology driving regulations are appropriate.