Conference Proceeding

Fatal Distraction? A Comparison of the Cell-phone Driver and the Drunk Driver

Authors
  • David L Strayer (University of Utah, Salt Lake City)
  • Frank A Drews (University of Utah, Salt Lake City)
  • Dennis J Crouch (University of Utah, Salt Lake City)

Abstract

We used a high-fidelity driving simulator to compare the performance of cell-phone drivers with drivers who were legally intoxicated from ethanol. When drivers were conversing on either a hand-held or hands-free cell-phone, their reactions were sluggish and they attempted to compensate by driving slower and increasing the following distance from the vehicle immediately in front of them. By contrast, when drivers were legally intoxicated they exhibited a more aggressive driving style, following closer to the vehicle immediately in front of them and applying more force while braking. When controlling for driving difficulty and time on task, cell-phone drivers exhibited greater impairment than intoxicated drivers.

How to Cite:

Strayer, D. & Drews, F. & Crouch, D., (2003) “Fatal Distraction? A Comparison of the Cell-phone Driver and the Drunk Driver”, Driving Assessment Conference 2(2003), 25-30. doi: https://doi.org/10.17077/drivingassessment.1085

Rights: Copyright © 2003 the authors

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Published on
22 Jul 2003
Peer Reviewed