hat although hands-free phones reduced the visual and mechanical distraction, the "cognitive" distraction of simply being involved in the cell phone conversation was still present and was more critical in impairing driver performance. Thus, switching to a handsAs most people would agree, operating a motor vehicle requires attention to avoid a catastrophe such as a crash. Obviously, there are numerous things that can distract a driver and create a potentially disastrous lapse in attention: retrieving an item that is dropped, holding a conversation with a passenger, or simply daydreaming while behind the wheel. Studies in the past 10 to 15 years however have consistently indicated that use of cell phones while driving is particularly risky. Undoubtedly, with well over 200 million cell phone users in the US alone risks are amplified based on frequency of use if nothing else.

Although initial studies probed issues related to the use of hand held devices which forced drivers to take their eyes off of the road while dialing, or use their hands to support the phone while talking, studies in more recent years have focused on examining the effects of distraction caused simply by talking on cell phones; even in the case of hands-free devices. The results of most of these studies concluded that although hands-free phones reduced the visual and mechanical distraction, the "cognitive" distraction of simply being involved in the cell phone conversation was still present and was more critical in impairing driver performance. Thus, switching to a hands-

ropped, holding a conversation with a passenger, or simply daydreaming while behind the wheel. Studies in the past 10 to 15 years however have consistently indicated that use of cell phones while driving is particularly risky. Undoubtedly, with well over 200 million cell phone users in the US alone risks are amplified based on frequency of use if nothing else.

Although initial studies probed issues related to the use of hand held devices which forced drivers to take their eyes off of the road while dialing, or use their hands to support the phone while talking, studies in more recent years have focused on examining the effects of distraction caused simply by talking on cell phones; even in the case of hands-free devices. The results of most of these studies concluded that although hands-free phones reduced the visual and mechanical distraction, the "cognitive" distraction of simply being involved in the cell phone conversation was still present and was more critical in impairing driver performance. Thus, switching to a hands

llion cell phone users in the US alone risks are amplified based on frequency of use if nothing else.

Although initial studies probed issues related to the use of hand held devices which forced drivers to take their eyes off of the road while dialing, or use their hands to support the phone while talking, studies in more recent years have focused on examining the effects of distraction caused simply by talking on cell phones; even in the case of hands-free devices. The results of most of these studies concluded that although hands-free phones reduced the visual and mechanical distraction, the "cognitive" distraction of simply being involved in the cell phone conversation was still present and was more critical in impairing driver performance. Thus, switching to a hands

se their hands to support the phone while talking, studies in more recent years have focused on examining the effects of distraction caused simply by talking on cell phones; even in the case of hands-free devices. The results of most of these studies concluded that although hands-free phones reduced the visual and mechanical distraction, the "cognitive" distraction of simply being involved in the cell phone conversation was still present and was more critical in impairing driver performance. Thus, switching to a handshat although hands-free phones reduced the visual and mechanical distraction, the "cognitive" distraction of simply being involved in the cell phone conversation was still present and was more critical in impairing driver performance. Thus, switching to a hands-free device does not appear to reduce the risk of accident.

The benefits of having a cell phone available when driving is not in question. Cell phones have proven their utility in countless situations where emergencies have arisen. Safety issues instead center on how these devices can be safely and responsibly used by drivers. It is not the intent of this brief article to review the multitude of studies conducted but instead, to simply offer a few suggestions on how to reduce driving risks related to cell phone use. Obviously, merely switching to a hands-free device is not the all encompassing answer. For those cell phone user's who rely on their driving time to conduct business by telephone or to hold conversations with family members and friends who are always on the go, the answers may seem discouraging at first glance but when considered in light of the possible risk of life are rather minimal.

1. Turn off your cell phone while driving. This will eliminate any ringing which can be distracting and will still allow