The 411 On The Side Effects Of Cell Phone Use

Introduction
CPSC 203 T06 Group 2

Group Members: Filip Chrostek, Marianne Dunn, Erica Jeong, Stephan De Freitas, Katelyn Kowalsky

Initial Statement & Reasoning
Cell phones have become an esential part of our everyday lives. Are we using this convenience at the expense of our health and safety?

There have been many conflicting arguments as to whether or not cell phones are directly linked to cancers and road safety. This page has been designed to summarize, describe, and conclude the concerns and opinions regarding this issue.

Cancer Related
The world around us has become increasingly reliant on the use of technology and electronics to provide convenience and ease in our daily lives. Wireless phones have given us the possibility of being reachable at any time, in any place. The technology is convenient, but it uses electromagnetic radiation to transmit its signals. As with any technology that uses radiation, specualtion arose as to whether or not these waves were harmful to humans. Scientists and health officials have released numerous studies and reports concerning this topic.

Cell phones emit radiofrequency (RF) energy which is a form of electromagnetic radiation. Exposure to high levels fo RF energy can heat body tissue, and can pose a cancer risk.

Road Safety Related
Distractions have always been present while driving, such as talking to a passenger, trying to find the appropriate exit sign, and listening to the radio. In 2005 there were over two billion cell phone users and as time has progressed people have become more careless as to where and when they use their cell phones. Social convenience has been given a higher priority than watching speed limits and stop signs. Over the years the number of accidents directly linked to driver distraction has significantly increased. While texting or talking on the phone, a driver's reaction time is decrease.

Cancer Related
There have been countless numbers of recent studies performed with the question of whether or not cell phones and the radiation they emit are harmful to humans.

Road Safety Related
The main concern behind cell phone use while driving stems from the level of associated distraction of the driver from the road. Often drivers are more focused on their conversation than what is going on around them. The use of cell phones inhibits a driver's ability to properly gauge a situation. The reaction time is significantly decreased whenever full attention isn't being given.

Cell phone use while driving has become somewhat of a normality these days. There have been numerous statistical studies that emphasize the risk with this behaviour. Steering ablititly while using cell phones has been recorded to be reduced by up to ninety-one percent. According to a research study released by The Liberty Mutual Insurance Company, over thirty percent of all collisions on the road involve some form of driver distraction. In the same study, it was found that over thirty-seven percent of teens consider texting while driving to be extremly distracting and unsafe. Even though such a large majorty of people find the task of using their mobile phones while behind the wheel to be incredibly dangerous, people are still doing it and many accidents are directly linked to this behaviour. Within the Liberty Mutual Insurance Company study it was found that thirty-two percent of men, and twenty-five percent of women admit that they do not drive as safely as they should while using their cell phones. The Transport Research Labratory in the United Kingdom found that when their subjects sent text messages while driving their reaction speed was reduced by thirty-five percent. This is a greater reduction than those who are under the influence of marijuana, who only experience a twenty-one percent reduction, and those who have been drinking and driving who only suffered a twelve percent reaction loss.

Road Safety Related
In an effort to reduce the number of collisions that are caused by driver distraction and cell phones many states and provinces have placed laws into regulation to ban cell phone use by drivers. In the United States, Washington became the first state to make texting and driving in January 2008. Alasksa, Louisiana, Minnesota, and New Jersey shortly followed suit. In 2003 the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador banned the use of cell phones while driving. Since then, Quebec, Nova Scotia, and Ontario have passed similiar laws. In a further attempt to lower the risk of an accident connected to cell phones and driving, many cell phone companies have added new technological features to their phones, such as wireless blue-tooth accessories, speakerphone, and headsets. However, the best method of precaution will always be to keep your cell phone turned off while behind the wheel. General Motors has developed a hands-free system, OnStar, which provides security, navigation, and communication that discourages the necessity of having a cell phone in your vehicle.