What is the magnitude of the traffic safety problem related to cellular telephone use while driving?
• Will crashes likely increase with increasing numbers of users of cellular telephone technology in the fleet? • What are the options for enhancing the safe use of cellular telephones by drivers? Based on the information collected it can be concluded that in some cases, the inattention and distraction created by the use of a cellular telephone while driving is similar to that associated with other distractions in increasing crash risk. Both the research studies and crash data reviewed in this report highlight several factors by which cellular telephone use while driving can increase the risk of a crash. Among these, conversation appears to be most associated with the crashes reviewed. Furthermore, it is clear that at this time there are insufficient data to indicate the magnitude of any safety-related problem associated with cellular telephone use while driving. This is a consequence of inadequate reporting and thus it cannot be determined whether a problem requiring action exists. Rat
