Some facts on wireless phones and driving

By: CWTA

Date: Monday, 06. May 2013

Courtesy of the Canadian Wireless Telecommunications Association (CWTA).

In Canada alone, nearly three million calls per year are made to 9-1-1 or emergency numbers using a wireless phone. The explosive growth in the popularity of cell phones, in themselves a major contributor to enhanced public safety, will lead to more and more calls being made to emergency services. Approximately 25 per cent of all 9-1-1 calls originate from a wireless phone.

The safety of our customers and the public in general is of utmost concern to the Canadian wireless telecommunications industry. The industry has long-maintained a strict but simple policy in regard to driving: safe driving is your first priority. This has been emphasized through education and communication with our customers over the years.

Recent studies have examined the possible relationship between the use of wireless phones while driving and automobile accidents. Some of the studies recommend drivers:

• Avoid unnecessary calls;
• Keep conversations brief; and
• Suspend conversations when driving conditions become hazardous.

We believe this is sound advice, and is consistent with the industry's own recommendations to its customers.

Researchers also cite the benefits of wireless phones in cars, particularly the ability to call for help or report dangerous situations. As well, the CWTA notes the ability to call police to report impaired or aggressive drivers. In Canada alone, close to two million calls per year are made to 911 or emergency numbers using a wireless phone. The benefits and safety features of wireless phones in cars have led to a number of joint efforts with police forces across Canada including the RCMP, the OPP, la Surete du Quebec and others.

The Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police encourages the use of cellular phones in highway safety and supports the industry's safe driving initiatives. Members of the industry have also cooperated with a number of agencies to promote safe driving including the Insurance Bureau of Canada, the Ontario Ministry of Transportation and the Canadian Safety Council. As well, a special committee on cellular phone use and safe driving has been formed in Quebec with representatives from the wireless industry, the CAA, the Quebec Ministry of Transportation and the Societe de l'assurance automobile du Quebec.

With respect to studies examining the relationship between the use of wireless phones while driving and automobile accidents, the following should be noted:

Most studies do not contend that phones were the cause of accidents. There are many other factors associated with vehicle accidents including weather, drowsiness, speeding, alcohol or road conditions. For example, a 1986 study published in the New York Journal of Medicine concluded that smokers had 50 per cent more traffic accidents and 46 per cent more violations than non-smokers. It is also important to realize that while the number of cellular phones in Canada and the U.S. has grown yearly by more than 30 per cent, the number of traffic accidents has remained steady or even declined.

Most studies deal only with phone users who were involved in accidents, and do not deal with the preponderance of phone users not involved in accidents. In many cases, cell phone use could have contributed to safe driving practices and potentially avoiding an accident (e.g., calling ahead to notify arrival time thereby minimizing stress and speeding).

Researchers also note the increased risk is not related to manual dexterity, but is cognitive in nature. This suggests that any type of distraction, including conversations, could put drivers at risk of an accident.

Information:
Carrie Moussa, Vice President, Association Affairs,
tel: (613) 233-4888 ext. 104
Media inquiries:
Marc Choma, Director of Communications, (613) 233-4888 ext. 107

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