Using Smartphones whilst driving worse than drink driving

Research by the TRL (Transport Research Laboratory) and the IAM reveales using smartphnoes whilst driving increased reaction times by 38%

The research shows that using a smartphone whilst driving decreases a drivers ability to concentrate on the road three times more than the effects of driving with the legal limit of alcohol in the body. Below provides comparisons on the effects of distracted driving

  • Using a smartphone slows reaction times by 37.6 per cent;
  • texting slows reaction times by 37.4 per cent;
  • hands-free mobile phone conversation slows reaction times by 26.5 per cent;
  • cannabis slows reaction times by 21 per cent;
  • alcohol (above UK driving limit but below 100mg per 100ml of blood) slows reaction time by between six and 15 per cent;
  • alcohol at the legal limit slows reaction times by 12.5 per cent.

A car driving simulator was used in the test, it clearly demonstrated that when the subjects were asked to use their smartphone whilst driving in the simulator key events were missed, an increase in unintentional lane changes were observed and the suibjects were unable to respond to speed changes of cars ahead of them.

The IAM calls on the Government and smartphone manufacturers to increase awareness of the dangers of using a smartphone whilst driving.

«
»
Disclaimer The contents of these pages are provided as an information guide only and are limited to offences committed in England and Wales. No responsibility is accepted for any errors, omissions, or misleading statements on these pages or any site to which these pages connect, including any feature or aspect of such site or pages, whether provided by Motor Defence Solicitors or by any organisation, company or individual. No mention of any organisation, company or individual, whether on these pages or on other sites to which these pages are linked shall imply any approval or warranty as to the standing and capability of any such organisations, company or individual on the part of Motor Defence Solicitors.