Multitasking Mania: Cellular Phone Use and Driving

In today's society, technological advances have allowed us to preform many tasks simultaneously in order to increase efficieny and beat the clock. However, combining certain technologies such as cell phone use and driving has proved to reap more risks than benefits, and is becoming a leading factor in many accidents involving motor-vehicles. We plan to explore the history of cell phone use and driving, the social (laws and regulations) and physciological impacts of this growing issue, as well as improvements such as the Bluetooth, and how - if even, these new advances prove to be beneficial to the classic deadly duo.



History
The concept of the cellular phone was first developed in 1947 and originated as a crude mobile car phone from the Bell Laboratories. They were used in vehicles such as taxicabs, police cruisers, and ambulances for purposes similar to a “two-way” radio or “walkie-talkie". They were also used during the Second World War as military radiophones. Eventually, the first official cellular phone was invented by Martin Cooper of Motorola in 1973, along with a team of inventors. By 1984, cell phones were available to the public and have undergone several changes within the last decades. They now range in a vast array of colors and models with numerous applications aside from their basic communication features.

Issue
It is inevitable that we live in a multitasking era where combining several technologies can be extremely dangerous. Of course, there does not exist a standard set of warning labels to guide us in using these different types of technologies simultaneously. Not only is this dangerous, it can also be deadly.

The use of cell phones and cars has been increasing tremendously throughout the 90’s and now rapidly expanding into the new millennium. By the twentieth century and the introduction of the 40-hour-work-week, more and more people are trying to find methods to complete tasks efficiently and on-the-go. As well, with an increasing accessibility of the cell phone in today’s youth, particularly in industrialized North American countries, it is not surprising that cell phone use and driving is highest among users aged 16-24, and 81% of people admit to doing it.

In Alberta alone, 6 people die and nearly 500 are injured every week due to traffic collisions. 25% of these collisions are caused by driver distractions. Although there are activities an individual can do while driving that may be more dangerous than talking on a cell phone, cell phone use occurs more frequently and for longer durations of time than other risky driving behaviours and are therefore considered the number one leading cause of these collisions, which have caused thousands in damages and death.

With such an impact on society, it is important to understand the full risks of using cellular phones while driving. Exploring this issue will allow us to understand if it is an inevitable epidemic in which the risks will naturally increase as a side effect of an advancing technological society. Or, is it a preventable problem that can be solved by proper user awareness and advocacy?

Driver Distraction
Western culture has seen a dramatic increase in the reliance on technology. New technology has made communication easier, more efficient and safer. However, the use of such devices as the mobile phone can make an easy distraction for drivers that should be paying full attention to the road ahead of them. Conversations, dialing numbers, and even texting while operating a motor vehicle has been shown to increase the risk of an accident by four times. Phone safety alone has raised some questions, but using this type of technology while operating such a large and dangerous piece of equipment can have deadly consequences.

SAAQ
A study method was used by the Société de l'assurance automobile du Québecin 2003 to determine the overall Relative Risk(RR) of having an accident while using a cell phone compared to non-users. A questionnaire on driving habits, risk exposure, collisions over the past 24 months, socio-demographic information and cell phone use, was sent, and analysis done on the 36,078 that repsonded.Questionnaires were also supported from cell phone companies and police records. The relative risk for male cell phone users was found to be 1.11, and for women 1.21. The study also found an increase of relative risk with an increase in cell phone use. For those making less than 1 call per day had a risk rating of 0.78, and 2.27 for those with more than 7 calls per day.

Cell Phones Vs. Alcohol
The University of Utah Psychology department created a simulation comparing cell phone use while driving with drunk driving in 2003. The test measured response time, following distance, and driving speed of a controlled group of subjects at the blood alcohol level of 0.08 percent and subjects involved in cell phone conversations.

The report concluded that drivers, while using cell phones, exhibited sluggish behaviour, such as slower reactions. The drivers appeared to compensate for this by increasing their following distance. Drivers under the influence of alcohol, exhibited a more aggressive driving style: following closer, and breaking with greater force.

Collisions
Cell phones are quickly becoming one of the most common causes of car accidents globally. People in deep conversation or trying to text are taking their eyes off the road and not able to react in time to avoid collisions or driving off the road. It is estimated that cell phone distracted drivers are four times more likely to be in a car collision. Cell phones cause over 200 deaths and 500,000 injuries every year worldwide. In the United States, as of October 2008, 266 million people subscribed to cell phones; compared to 4.3 million in 1990. Increased reliance on cell phones has led to a substantial rise in the number of people who use these devices while operating a motor vehicle.

Texting and Driving
Texting and driving is considered an equal or even greater danger than driving while drunk. In a 2006 study by Liberty Mutual Research Institute for Safety, teens reported that texting was their number 1 distraction. A recent survey in the UK showed that “Intexicated” drivers had 35% less response time as opposed to "regular" driving compared to a 21 % decrease under the influence of marijuana and a 12 % percent after consuming alcohol.

Technological Improvements
It is obvious that operating a cellular phone while driving divides the driver's attention too much, therefore it is high risk. There are other devices in the car like the radio, the CD player, the air conditioner, light switches, windshield wiper switches, and many more that come standard with the car and are considered ok to use because they require very little divided attention. Extras like a GPS or a portable DVD player are also considered safe to use. What if the cellular phone could be converted in such a way that it divides the driver’s attention very little for him or her to still be able to drive safely? This can be done with a wide variety of accessory kits for your cellular phone.

Available technology
There are several kits available to use with your cellular phone while driving. These kits make cellphone use as easy as talking to a passenger next to you. They are hastle free and simple to use. Below, there are summaries of popular kits.

Cigar lighter bluetooth and FM transmitter
This kit conveniently plugs in the car cigarette lighter and it links with your cellular phone through Bluetooth. If there is a call and connection has been established, it will transmit the audio to the FM frequency of your choice. With the built in speaker you can talk out loud and listen to your friends from your car speakers. Your cellphone can just stay in your pocket. There is no work required daily before driving.

Innovative car seat mount
This is another useful creation that links to your cellular phone through Bluetooth. It stays mounted on your car seat and it provides it's own speaker so it won't interrupt your car music. This requires no daily work.

Cellular Phone Mount
You can mount your cellular phone on your dash and there are various ways to operate. Power can be supplied from the cigarette lighter and car or personal speakers can be utilized. This requires a bit of work before driving everyday but is worth it.

Wireless headset
The wireless headset is a very common way to talk hands free while driving. It provides clarity because there's no risk of radio interference. It's not preferred to be worn at all times while driving so it requires a bit of work when calls are received.

Limitations
While there are many ways to talk hands free on the cellular phone, there is still no effective way to text hands free while driving. Hands free text solutions exist but aren't effective. Cellphones can now upload voice-to-text software that uses speech recognition and converts it into text. This software makes many errors that create a bad text messaging. It also provides error correction once the text is repeated audibly. This whole procedure defeats the purpose of speed and only creates more frustration which is what makes it impractical and unpopular. Many cellular phone producers like Blackberry and Motorola have tried to improve upon voice-to-text software.

Laws and Regulations
The issue of driving while on a cell phone is becoming more well known as a dangerous activity,so some governments are taking action by applying laws and regulations. All across the world governments have implemented Laws to try to ensure the safety of all drivers on the road.

Below is the list of all countries that have realized the negative impact of the use of this technology while driving a vehicle, and have passed a law or decided whether to ban the use of cell phones while driving.

Country: 	Banned: 	Notes:


 * Australia 	Yes 	Banned in all states - fines vary though.


 * Austria 	Yes 	Fines vary - up to US$22 per incident


 * Bahrain 	Yes 	Offenders face fines - possibly prison


 * Belgium 	Yes 	Phones can be used without a hands-free unit when the car is stationary - but not while in traffic(such as at traffic lights)


 * Brazil 	Yes 	Ban imposed Jan. 2001


 * Botswana 	Being debated 	The attorney general is drafting the legislation


 * Canada 	Variable 	Banned in Newfoundland (Dec2002) fines up to C$180 - Banned in Québec (Apr 2008) fines up to C$100.


 * Chile 	Yes


 * China 	Yes 	Reported to be covered by general "good driving practice" legislation.


 * Czech Republic 	Yes


 * Denmark 	Yes 	Ban imposed July 1998 - US$60 fine for infringements


 * Egypt 	Yes 	Fines of about US$100 per offence.


 * Finland 	Yes 	Ban imposed January 2003 - US$55 fine for infringements


 * France 	Yes 	Banned 2003, EUR40 fine per infraction


 * Germany 	Yes 	Ban imposed Feb. 2001 - usage allowed without a hands-free unit only when the engine is switched off. Fine of €40 per infraction


 * Greece 	Yes


 * Hong Kong 	Yes


 * Hungary 	Yes 	Not often implemented by the police


 * India - New Delhi 	Yes 	New Delhi - Ban extended to ban all use of cell phones when driving, including use with a hands-free unit - July 2001


 * Andhra Pradesh - Ban now enforced with prison sentences


 * Ireland 	Yes 	Banned, with a US$380 and/or up to 3 months imprisonment on a third offence. Handsfree kits allowed, although that is subject to review.


 * Isle of Man 	Yes 	Banned since July 2000


 * Israel 	Yes


 * Italy 	Yes 	Fines of up to US$124 per infraction


 * Japan 	Yes 	Ban imposed Nov. 1999


 * Jersey 	Yes 	Ban imposed Feb. 1998


 * Jordan 	Yes 	Ban imposed Oct. 2001


 * Kenya 	Yes 	Ban imposed late 2001


 * Malaysia 	Yes


 * Mexico 	Partial 	Ban in Mexico City


 * Netherlands 	Yes 	Fines up to €2,000 or two weeks in jail


 * New Zealand 	Being debated 	Under debate - consultation being sought from interested parties


 * Norway 	Yes 	Fines of over $600 per infraction


 * Pakistan 	Partial 	Banned in Islamabad


 * Philippines 	Yes


 * Poland 	Yes 	Fine of PLN200 ($100) - can be higher if contested.


 * Portugal 	Yes


 * Romania 	Yes


 * Russia 	Yes 	Ban imposed by Prime Minister - March 2001


 * Singapore 	Yes


 * Slovak Republic 	Yes


 * Slovenia 	Yes


 * South Africa 	Yes


 * South Korea 	Yes 	Ban imposed July 2001 - US$47 fine + 15 points on the license.


 * Spain 	Yes


 * Sweden 	No


 * Switzerland 	Yes


 * Taiwan 	Yes 	If the driver is using a reflective screen on the car, local privacy laws forbid stopping the car for violating the ban.


 * Thailand 	Yes 	Bill proposed in May 2000


 * Turkey 	Yes


 * Turkmenistan 	Yes 	Signed into law with effect from May 1st 2003, by President Saparmyrat Turkmenbasy


 * UK 	Yes 	Banned from December 2003


 * Zimbabwe 	Yes 	Ban imposed in Sept 2001, announced via official news agency only though, so not confirmed

United States
In addition to these countries the United States of America has different bans in each state. In the United States, the laws vary according to each state, and are divided into the following categories:


 * 1) Ban on Handheld Cellphones for all drivers - Prohibits all drivers from using cellphones while driving a motor vehicle.
 * 2) Ban on Text Messaging - Meaning while driving a vehicle you are not allowed to text message.
 * 3) Ban on All Phones - This forbids drivers from using any communication device while in a vehicle (incl. Bluetooth, and speakerphone).

Subcategories
These laws are also divided into even smaller subcategories:


 * 1) Novice Drivers - Applies to all new drivers while operating a motor vehicle (do not have their full license).
 * 2) Bus Drivers - Applies to all bus drivers while operating a Bus.
 * 3) All Drivers - Applies to all drivers while operating a motor vehicle.

For more information follow this link: http://www.ghsa.org/html/stateinfo/laws/cellphone_laws.html

Advantages

 * Efficiency – using a cell phone while driving allows a person to multitask. They are able to communicate with others and make plans or organize events before they even reach their destination, saving time out of their day for other things.


 * Mobilization – the fact that cell phones are able to be used in a moving vehicle shows that people are able to adapt to changes in difficult circumstances (like emergencies) which requires them to move in different areas quickly with needed resources while still being able to stay in communication. People in the world are essentially able to move into closer proximity with each other, faster.


 * Social Advancement – only the citizens living in countries that are developed have the luxury of owning both a cellular phone, and a vehicle. This shows that our society as a whole is developed and advancing in technologies that allow us to stay ahead of lesser affluent countries.


 * Technological Improvement – both car technology and cell phones have improved user safety in the last few years, and are continuing to improve. Devices that are working to minimize the problem of cell phone use in cars such as the Bluetooth and voice-to-text software would not have been created if a market for such technologies did not exist.

Disadvantages

 * Dangerous – statistics do not lie and it is evident that cell phones play a major role in the number of motor vehicle accidents that occur. Both talking and texting deviate a driver’s attention away from the road and increase their likelihood of being a potential harm to themselves, their passengers, pedestrians as well as others on the road, and their cognitive response is slowed down.


 * Heavy Fines – it is evident that many governments around the world have noticed this rising issue and are dealing with it accordingly. Penalties can range from hefty fines to even jail time in other countries, and the individual’s overall right to drive can be taken away from them.


 * Costly Accidents – all the collisions that occur due to cell phone use and driving leave a heavy dent both figuratively and in the pockets of the people involved as well as the government. Insurance companies skyrocket their rates and this affects the economy as a whole as rates become inflated for all users as many individuals may require months, even years, to pay off the cost of an accident. In addition, permanent damage or paralysis of the individual, and the heaviest cost of all – death, have no price to them and can negatively affect the individuals involved and their families for a lifetime.


 * Difficult to Eliminate – although many governments are stepping up in response to the problem, it is still difficult and nearly impossible to track down everyone who continue to use their cell phones while driving. Furthermore, although most mature drivers are aware of the issue and are often more responsible than their younger counterparts, the fact still remains that the issue lies heavily among today’s younger generation who’s inexperience on the road and multi-tasking mentality continue to pose the most potential danger.

Conclusion
After an analysis and understanding of the impact of cell phone use and driving through a look at past trends and current studies, as well a comparison of the advantages and disadvantages, it is reasonable to conclude that the risks outweigh the benefits. Although technologies like the Bluetooth and voice-to-text software have been created in order to mitigate the issue, they only provide temporary improvements, and are not a permanent solution to the problem. The only real solution is increased awareness of the issue through articles like this one, which aim to promote an understanding of the problem that lies with each individual in choosing the responsible action of not using a cellular phone while driving.

Group Information
Teacher Advisor: Maha Shouman

Tutorial 20 - Group 2

Members
Lan Nguyen

Jillian Mankowski

Jacquelyn Murray

Ilir Nano

Umer Khan