
“If you put a 20-year-old driver behind the wheel with a cell phone, their reaction times are the same as a 70-year-old driver who is not using a cell phone,” said David Strayer, a University of Utah psychology professor. David Strayer has recently finished a study on the use of cell phones in cars and users’ response times. The response times of cell users decreased an average of 18 to 20 percent. But, probably as a compensation technique, users also increase their spacing behind cars by 12 percent. After braking, users also take 17 percent longer to accelerate back to normal traffic speed. Surprisingly, the study focused on hands-free cell usage. This cuts against the grain of conventional wisdom that says the danger lies in holding a cell phone. It would seem that engaging in the active thinking required for conversation is the main culprit. Does this mean that they are going to ban conversations in cars next? And does a 70 year old respond like a 120 year old when using a cell phone?
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