Role of mobile phones in motor vehicle crashes resulting in hospital attendance: a case-crossover study.
McEvoy SP, Stevenson MR, McCartt AT, Woodward M, Haworth C, Palamara P, Cercarelli R. · 2005
View Original AbstractCell phone use while driving quadruples crash risk, with hands-free devices offering no safety benefit over handheld phones.
Plain English Summary
Researchers studied whether cell phone use affects driving safety by examining drivers who had crashes requiring hospital treatment. They found that using a mobile phone within 10 minutes before a crash increased the likelihood of crashing by four times, regardless of whether drivers used hands-free or handheld devices. This suggests that the cognitive distraction from phone conversations, not just physical handling, creates dangerous driving conditions.
Why This Matters
This study reveals a critical aspect of EMF exposure that extends beyond direct biological effects to behavioral impacts with serious safety consequences. The finding that hands-free devices offer no safety advantage over handheld phones demonstrates that the primary risk comes from cognitive distraction rather than physical manipulation of the device. What makes this particularly relevant to EMF health discussions is that it shows how our increasing dependence on wireless devices creates risks that go beyond the direct radiation exposure. The fourfold increase in crash risk represents a substantial public health concern, especially as mobile phone use while driving has only increased since this 2005 study. This research underscores why a precautionary approach to wireless technology makes sense, not just for potential biological effects, but for the documented behavioral and safety impacts of our wireless-dependent lifestyle.
Exposure Information
Specific exposure levels were not quantified in this study.
Study Details
To explore the effect of drivers' use of mobile (cell) phones on road safety.
Driver's use of a mobile phone up to 10 minutes before a crash was associated with a fourfold increa...
When drivers use a mobile phone there is an increased likelihood of a crash resulting in injury. Using a hands-free phone is not any safer.
Show BibTeX
@article{sp_2005_role_of_mobile_phones_2719,
author = {McEvoy SP and Stevenson MR and McCartt AT and Woodward M and Haworth C and Palamara P and Cercarelli R.},
title = {Role of mobile phones in motor vehicle crashes resulting in hospital attendance: a case-crossover study.},
year = {2005},
url = {https://www.bmj.com/content/331/7514/428},
}