Besides being a potential safety hazard, drivers who talk on cell phones may be contributing to the country’s traffic woes. According to a recent study by the University of Utah, cell phone users drive slower, pass less often, and take longer to get to their destination.

Compared to undistracted drivers, those who used cell phones drove an average of 2 mph slower. This may not seem like a lot of time, but can be significant when compounded by a recent study that suggests that ten percent of all drivers talk on cell phones.

The Utah study involved 36 psychology students. Each of them "drove" via a simulator through 9.2-mile-long highway scenarios: two each in low, medium, and high-density traffic. The participants were told to obey the 65 mph speed limit and use turn signals. They also used a cell phone during one drive at each level of traffic intensity.

In medium and high traffic, those who talked on cell phones were 21 percent and 19 percent respectively, less likely to change lanes. In low, medium, and high traffic situations, cell phone users spent 31 percent, 16 percent, and 12 percent more time following a slow moving vehicle than undistracted drivers. Those who didn’t use a cell phone got to their destination faster.

This study, though small, shows that cell-phone users can significantly reduce the flow of traffic by not changing lanes, and driving slower.

So, hang up and drive safe, for all our sakes'.

—Liza Barth