This position paper from the Canadian Association of Emergency Physicians is based on a literature review that was developed to support their stated position on cellphone use while driving. Several key topics were included in this review which included: cognitive studies, cell phone use as a distraction, and legislation in Canada. In particular, research showed the effects of distraction on visual fields, reaction time and overall driving performance. Vehicle crash rates were shown to be significantly higher when drivers used cellphones while driving, and some studies suggested that cellphone use was as dangerous as driving under the influence of alcohol.
CAEP agreed that cell phone-related crashes were avoidable, and supported all measures to ban the use of cell phones, including both handheld and hands free driving. They also supported the development of cell phone campaigns designed to inform people about the dangers of cell phone use while driving in an effort to eliminate the use of cell phones while driving, making the roads safer for all drivers.
Reference
Huang, D., Kapur, A. K., Ling, P., Purssell, R., Henneberry, R. J., Champagne, C. R.,& Francescutti, L. H. (2010). CAEP position statement on cellphone use while driving. CJEM, 12(4), 365-376.
