January 27, 2004

By: Yen Hung
Website: http://www.1st-in-cell-phones.com

Cellular phones, other wireless devices offer benefits and carry risks

While the benefits to society are significant, cellular phones and other forms of wireless technology also create distractions that increase a driver's risk on the highways, a new National Highway Traffic Safety Administration report has concluded. The concern about driver distractions is heightened by the rising popularity of cellular phones and the development of on-board navigation systems, portable facsimile machines and other wireless technologies for the car.

The distractions include wireless communication systems but also may be related to other factors, including in-car dining, entertainment systems or adjustment of dashboard controls. The number of cellular phones has risen from 345,000 in 1985 to 50 million today and is expected to more than double by the year 2000. Significant growth also is expected with other technologies, including on-board navigation systems that are expected to proliferate through Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) development.

"As cars more and more become an extension of the home and office, we are creating a whole new array of potentially hazardous distractions that must be better understood," said NHTSA Administrator Ricardo Martinez, M.D. To help in that understanding, the report, "An Investigation of the Safety Implications of Wireless Communications in Vehicles," summarizes current NHTSA activities on related issues and recommends a future research strategy to fill in gaps in current knowledge.

Also See: wireless phone companies.

Author Notes:

Yen Hung contributes and publishes news editorial to http://www.1st-in-cell-phones.com.  A cellular phone industry resource featuring articles, comparisons and reviews of cellular phone and service plans.