When U psychologists published a study last year warning against the use of a cell phone while behind the wheel, they wanted to raise awareness.
In the study, David Strayer and Frank Drews, professors of psychology, showed that cell phone users were five times more likely to get in an accident — the same risk as a drunk driver with an alcohol level of 0.08.
Now their alarming findings are being used to fuel a political debate. In the most recent state legislative session, Kory Holdaway, R-Taylorsville, used the study to argue for a bill banning drivers from chatting on the phone. The measure failed.
Holdaway, who’s been trying for years to pass legislation prohibiting cell phone use in the car, said the study provided vital information that he hopes will convince state legislators to pass the bill next session.
However, some think legislation against driving and talking is an infringement on personal liberties.
David Johnson, a graduate student in computer science, said the penalties would “have to be stiff” to get anybody to listen.
“I would have a tough time allowing government (telling me what I can do) in my car,” Johnson said.
Drews said although some may view the legislation as an infringement on personal rights, there’s no argument when public safety is concerned.
“I think people should have their personal freedom unless they impose risk to other people,” Drews said. He pointed to a recent car accident in Utah where a driver talking on a cell phone killed a teenage girl.
“Some people think it doesn’t affect them, but everybody is impaired when they talk on their phone and drive at the same time,” Drews said.
Hugues Loua, a graduate student in economics, agrees. He said that when people talk their cell phone, they have a difficult time keeping up with traffic.
“They tend to move a lot slower,” he said. “Things (on the road) can happen fast.”
Drews said that people are already making changes in their driving habits because they are becoming more aware of the danger associated with talking on a cell phone behind the wheel. He hopes to see lobbying groups in the future similar to Mothers Against Drunk Driving.
“If we want it to stop now, it’s up to us,” Drews said. “When I talk to somebody on the phone who says they are in their car, I will hang up the phone. I am putting that person in danger as much as they are.”