Cell Phone Use While Driving

Cell phone, blackberry, or other electronic device use while driving.

Common sense tells us that handling and dialing cell phones while driving compromises safety, and evidence is accumulating that phone conversations increase crash risk. Institute research released in 2005 quantifies the added risk - drivers using phones are 4 times as likely to get into crashes serious enough to injure themselves. (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety - July 12, 2005)

• While operating a vehicle on University business, the use of electronic communication devices (navigational systems entry, cell phones including text messaging, email access, or web browsing) is strongly discouraged.
• If the driver must use a cell phone, blackberry, or other electronic device for voice communications while the vehicle is in motion:
  • Use should be kept to a minimum
  • Remain alert to traffic and other vehicles around you
  • Be completely familiar with the phone before using it
  • Be prepared to break conversation to respond to a traffic hazard
  • Don't hesitate to abruptly drop the phone when an urgent situation arises
  • Keep both hands on the wheel by using your phone's hands-free or speaker phone feature, if installed.
• Cell phone use while driving is illegal in a number of states, and the driver is responsible for any penalties if caught using these devices while driving.