Does using a cellular telephone while driving cause more accidents?
In general, driver distraction is one of the leading causes of traffic accidents. Using and talking on a cellular phone requires a large amount of attention and can be a contributing factor to accidents. However, using a cellular telephone is one of many distractions a driver faces. In other words, concern about driver distraction should not be limited to cellular telephones. What skills does a driver use? Skills needed by a driver include: Skill Examples Visual (Seeing) • watching the road (in front and around the vehicle) • using mirrors, shoulder checks • checking gauges, speedometer, etc. Auditory (Listening) • squealing of brakes • the sirens of an emergency vehicle • vehicle sounds Biomechanical (‘Doing’, Activity, Hand-eye coordination) • turning the steering wheel • activating signals, headlights, horn, etc. • pressing the accelerator, brakes, clutch Cognitive (Thinking) • anticipating any future movements • assessing situations such as movement of other vehicles, weather condi
