A sophisticated, real-world study confirms that dialing, texting, or reaching for a cellphone while driving raises the risk of a crash or near-miss, especially for younger drivers. But the research also produced a surprise: Simply talking on the phone did not prove dangerous, as it has in other studies. This one did not distinguish between handheld and hands-free devices — a major weakness.
And even though talking doesn’t require drivers to take their eyes off the road, it’s hard to talk on a phone without first reaching for it or dialing — things that raise the risk of a crash, researchers note.
The study, done by researchers at the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute, said the risk of a crash or near-miss among young drivers rose more than sevenfold if they were dialing or reaching for a cellphone and fourfold if they were sending or receiving a text message.
Among older drivers, only dialing a cellphone increased the chances of a crash or near miss. However, that study began before texting became more common, so researchers don’t know if it is as dangerous for them as it is for teens.
Engaging in distractions increased as time went on among novice drivers but not among experienced ones.