Mobile phones are dangerous

Chatting on a mobile phone is at least as dangerous as driving while over the legal alcohol limit, a new study suggests.

The University of Utah study involved 40 volunteers using a driving simulator, and the authors say there is now enough evidence to warrant banning all mobile use when driving.

The volunteers had their reactions tested in four separate circumstances – driving without distractions, while using a handheld phone, a hands-free phone, and while intoxicated.

Motorists who talked on mobiles, either handheld or hands-free, were as impaired as drunk drivers – and more likely to be involved in an accident. www.larsoa.org.uk/news_july06/news07_mobiles_risky.htm