Psy 409 A 11/16/05

My Seventh Outline from the Assigned Readings

By Michelle Ching

A Closer Look at the Usage of Cell Phones During Driving

Reference: Peter Roth, Editor, Jeffrey Nash & Gary Brinker (2002). Driving Lessons: Exploring Systems That Make Traffic Safer (University of Alberta Press) pg. 283-290

Instructions for this activity are found at:

http://www.soc.hawaii.edu/leonj/leonj/leonpsy23/409a-g23-oral.htm

Concept 1: Cell phone

I. Support

A. Allow drivers call ahead when running lat and travel with increase peace of mind

1. Reduce risk of collision

B. Technology growth and dramatic increases in collision rates not causal

C. Drivers face other distractions

1. Singling out cell phones unjustified

II. Ban or reasons to change

A. Motor-vehicle collisions leading cause of mortality, disability

B. Cell phone conversation can be studies objectively

C. Small change might have substantial advantages

Concept 2: Case control study

I. Subjects

A. Drivers who had car telephones

B. Driver who did not have car telephones

1. 498 individuals

- Results overall frequency of traffic collisions marginally lower among mobile telephone subscribers than among members of the general public

II. Before and after trial comparing individual driving records in year before purchasing cell phone to their driving record after purchasing cell phone

A. Each person own control and reduce confounding

1. 305 individuals

- Significantly lower collision rate in the year following purchase of cell phone

III. Driving simulators

A. Worsening performances on some indirect measures

B. Average participant reaction time increased significantly when using hand-free cell phone

Concept 3: Driving Drunk and Cell Phone Use

I. Driving with blood-alcohol level at legal limit associate with relative risk of four

A. Alcohol stays in the bloodstream for several hours

II. Cellular telephone about the same

A. Typical cell phone call lasts only one or two minutes

1. Risks associated with intoxication much greater than those associated with using a cell phone

Related Web Links:

http://www.cellular-news.com/car_bans/ - This page lists those countries that have banned the use of a cell phone when driving

http://speakout.com/activism/issue_briefs/1334b-1.html - Answers the question “Should Using A Cell Phone While Driving Be Illegal.”

http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/press/releases/press07242000.html - A study on cell phone use while driving saying that benefits may be more compelling than the risks

My Home Page:

http://www.soc.hawaii.edu/leon/409af2005/ching/home.htm

The G23 Class Home Page: