Cell Phone Use Is a Major Cause of Traffic

Never mind the accidents: People who chat on their cell phones while driving in heavy traffic are the very cause for some of the traffic we face.

A study from the University of Utah found that distractions caused by cell phone use equate to slower reaction times, which in turn causes a cascade effect that slows down all the cars behind them. Drivers talking on a phone were 20 percent less likely to change lanes and spent up to 50 seconds longer following slow-moving vehicles before changing lanes. Overall speed over the 9.2-mile-long test area was 2mph slower as well. (The study subjects used hands-free phones during their testing.)

The results may not sound like much, but with 1 out of 10 drivers talking on a cell phone, the cumulative effect can be huge. It's important also to note that slower driving does not equate to safer driving. Says the study leader, Dave Strayer, "If you are doing that so you can take your mind off the road and talk on the phone, that isn't safer."

So remember, next time you're stuck in traffic on the freeway, moaning about it on your cell phone to your gal pal in the other lane: The problem is you.

LINK: Cell phone users tie up traffic: study