Conclusions:
(1) The use of a mobile phone (during or up to 10 minutes afterwards) was associated with a 4.1 times greater risk of an accident with injury requiring a visit to the Emergency Department.
(2) Hands-free phones were not safer than hand-held phones.
(3) The risk was not affected by age or gender.
Impairment associated with use of any type of mobile phone:
(1) Increase in reaction time.
(2) Variability in lane position, speed and distance from other vehicles.
(3) Emotional (arguing, etc.) and cognitive (conducting business, etc.) distraction.
(4) Physical distraction when dialing, answering, etc..
(5) Distractions associated with trying to take notes or find information.
Additional impairment associated with a hand-held mobile phone:
(1) The distraction of holding the phone properly.
(2) The need to drive with one hand, which affects turning and steering ability.
(5) The reflex response if the phone is dropped.
Reducing the risk:
(1) Use the phone only when absolutely necessary.
(2) Pull off the road and park when making a call.
(3) Do not use the phone when driving, weather or road conditions are not ideal.
