March 6, 2008
Brain imaging shows cell phone use affects driving
Using a mobile phone while driving could be as dangerous as being under the influence of alcohol, according to a new study, reports FreshNews.
"In fact, the study by researchers at Carnegie Mellon University found that drivers under the influence of alcohol and those speaking on cell phones tend to commit the same errors.
Using brain imaging, the study has documented how mobile phone use alone reduces 37 percent of brain activity engaged in driving. For instance, drivers using a simulator while on the phone were found to zigzag out of their lanes.
The findings - published in the latest issue of the journal Brain Research - also suggest that making cell phones hands-free or voice activated is not enough to eliminate distractions."
Related: -- Cellphone talkers as bad as drunk drivers: 2006 study by the University of Utah
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