Does Talking on a Cell Phone, With a Passenger, or Dialing Affect Driving Performance? An Updated Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Experimental Studies

Abstract

Objective An up-to-date meta-analysis of experimental research on talking and driving is needed to provide a comprehensive, empirical, and credible basis for policy, legislation, countermeasures, and future research. Background The effects of cell, mobile, and smart phone use on driving safety continues to be a contentious societal issue. Method All available studies that measured the effects of cell phone use on driving were identified through a variety of search methods and databases. A total of 93 studies containing 106 experiments met the inclusion criteria. Coded independent variables included conversation target (handheld, hands-free, and passenger), setting (laboratory, simulation, or on road), and conversation type (natural, cognitive task, and dialing). Coded dependent variables included reaction time, stimulus detection, lane positioning, speed, headway, eye movements, and collisions. Results The overall sample had 4,382 participants, with driver ages ranging from 14 to 84 years ( M = 25.5, SD = 5.2). Conversation on a handheld or hands-free phone resulted in performance costs when compared with baseline driving for reaction time, stimulus detection, and collisions. Passenger conversation had a similar pattern of effect sizes. Dialing while driving had large performance costs for many variables. Conclusion This meta-analysis found that cell phone and passenger conversation produced moderate performance costs. Drivers minimally compensated while conversing on a cell phone by increasing headway or reducing speed. A number of additional meta-analytic questions are discussed. Application The results can be used to guide legislation, policy, countermeasures, and future research.

The prevalence of cognitive disengagement in automobile crashes

“…The very low prevalence of cognitive disengagement in higher severity crashes also has implications for public policy. For example, existing research tends to conflate the risks of handheld and hands‐free cell phone conversations relative to cognitive disengagement (e.g., Young & Schreiner, ; National Safety Council, ; NHTSA, 2018; Caird, Simmons, Wiley, Johnston, & Horrey, ). Research has shown that there are meaningful differences between the risk of a handheld cell phone and well‐designed, integrated hands‐free cell phones.…”

Human factors awareness and recognition during multidisciplinary team meetings

“…Most individuals use a smartphone that contains a large number of potential “distractions” including games and the ability to readily short message (SMS) or interact with others through social media. Use of these devices can potentially affect the concentration of the user as well as others nearby particularly if the device is not set to silent mode or vibrates regularly . While the majority of colleagues would leave an MDT to answer a telephone call during the meeting, others might not be so polite.…”

“…While the majority of colleagues would leave an MDT to answer a telephone call during the meeting, others might not be so polite. By using a telephone at the same time as trying to do another task, performance is reduced . While this may not be crucial during an MDT, vital discussion could be missed as well as reducing the concentration of other team members .…”

“…By using a telephone at the same time as trying to do another task, performance is reduced . While this may not be crucial during an MDT, vital discussion could be missed as well as reducing the concentration of other team members . This is particularly relevant if the disrupting noise is loud or the conversation can be heard by others …”

“…F I G U R E 1 A typical head and neck multidisciplinary team led by a senior radiologist, pathologist and surgeons who look out for each other during the meeting to silent mode or vibrates regularly. 18,19 While the majority of colleagues would leave an MDT to answer a telephone call during the meeting, others might not be so polite. By using a telephone at the same time as trying to do another task, performance is reduced.…”