An overview of available distracted-driving research concludes that there is no evidence indicating whether cell phone or texting bans have reduced automobile crashes.

The Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA), which represents the highway safety offices of states, territories, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico, reviewed 350 papers on distracted driving published from 2000 to 2011 and found that existing research is “incomplete or contradictory,” according to Barbara Harsha, executive director of GHSA.

“Despite all that has been written about driver distraction, there is still a lot that we do not know,” she said. “Clearly, more studies need to be done addressing both the scope of the problem and how to effectively address it.”

The report, produced with a grant from State Farm, said limited research did suggest that cell phone use does increase crash risk, but no one knows by how much. Additionally, there is no conclusive evidence about whether hands-free cell phone use is any safer than hand-held use. Although texting while driving “probably” increases risk, no evidence exists to prove if cell phone use or texting bans actually reduce accidents.

Therefore, among a handful of recommendations, GHSA advises states that do not have handheld bans to wait until more research is conducted before passing laws. However, based on the research it reviewed, the GHSA said states should consider passing cell phone bans for novice drivers and texting bans for everyone. As of June, 30 states and Washington, D.C. prohibited cell phone use for novice drivers and 40 states and D.C. banned texting for novices, while 34 states and D.C. have enacted texting bans for all drivers. In the meantime, the association urges states with bans to enforce them.

“While distracted driving is an emotional issue that raises the ire of many on the road, states must take a research-based approach to addressing the problem,” Harsha said. “Until more research is conducted, states need to proceed thoughtfully, methodically, and objectively.”

The GHSA also recommends other measures, such as edge-line and center-line rumble strips to alert drivers when they swerve. The association asks that distracted driving be recorded in crash reports to assist in the evaluation of laws.

David Snyder, vice president and associate general counsel for the American Insurance Association (AIA), characterized the reports as “somewhat internally inconsistent and confusing.”

“The history of auto safety proves laws are needed to promote public information and education, which leads to effective highway safety,” he said. The effects of such laws may not be immediate, Snyder added, and the reason data is not available is because the current laws have not been enacted for long.

Special Reports /

Study: No Evidence Cell Phone, Texting Bans Reduce Crashes

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