Research has shown that use of cellular phones does not interfere significantly with the ability to control an automobile except among the elderly, where potentially dangerous lane excursions can occur. However, the effect of cellular phones as a possible distraction has not been investigated. In this study, 151 subjects observed a 25-minute video driving sequence containing 47 situations to which drivers would be expected to respond by manipulation of the vehicle's controls. Each situation occurred equally often …showed first 75 words of 426 total…

…showed last 75 words of 426 total…-25 years). As far as time to respond is concerned, age only effected the placing of cellular phone calls. While a cellular telephone conversation is no more distracting than a conversation of the same intensity with a passenger, the availability of a cellular phone is almost certain to increase significantly the number of conversations in general and the more distracting, intense, business conversation in particular. Older drivers, in particular, should be cautioned against placing calls