HIGHWAY SAFETY RESEARCH & COMMUNICATIONS

Q&A: Cellphones, texting and driving

March 2013

1 How many people use cellphones to talk or text?
2 Do drivers frequently talk on the phone or text behind the wheel?
3 Who is most likely to use a cellphone while driving?
4 How does using a cellphone or texting while driving affect crash risk?
5 How many crashes have been caused by drivers using cellphones?
6 How do cellphone use and texting affect drivers and driving performance?
7 Are hands-free cellphones safer than hand-held cellphones?
8 Are cellphone conversations riskier than other distractions or impairments?
9 How common are bans on hand-held cellphones and texting?
10 Do drivers comply with bans on hand-held phone use and texting?
11 Do bans on hand-held phone use and texting reduce crashes?
12 Can technology be used to reduce crash risks related to distracted driving?

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