In-Vehicle Cell Phones: Fatal Distraction? Real or potential problem?

摘要

While some degree of risk is associated with in-vehicle cell phone use, the current state of knowledge regarding its level does not indicate that it is significantly greater than that experienced during the course of normal driving while performing other socially acceptable in-vehicle tasks. Before legislative or legal action is taken, research is needed to examine the impact of the entire spectrum of tasks performed while driving, as is a common "yardstick" with which to measure them and a scale against which to compare them. If in-vehi-cle cell phone use is shown to impose significantly more of a load on a driver than the range of other acceptable behaviors, then additional action is likely warranted (although the nature of such action is unclear at this point). Legislation designed to limit in-vehicle cellular communications that does not take into account current development programs underway at the major automakers is also ill-advised. Many manufacturers are developing revolutionary new products such as adaptive cruise control systems (in which a vehicle will maintain a preset following distance behind another car, applying the brakes as necessary); lane departure warning systems (where drivers are alerted when approaching or crossing lane boundaries); and forward collision warning systems (where drivers are alerted automatically of forward obstacles in the roadway). Such devices address the primary effects of driver distraction―lane position variability (weaving back and forth within the lane); speed variance (decreases of 5 to 8 mph); and failure to detect forward obstacles. Is it reasonable then to forbid drivers to operate cellular or other devices in vehicles that are equipped to compensate for driver distraction regardless of its cause? This point is particularly true should vehicles equipped with such systems prove to be safer regardless of the level of driver distraction than conventional vehicles driven bv nondistracted drivers.