New study: van and SUV drivers most likely to use cell phones
· Date: 2001-07-24
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An article on eTrucker.com cites a new study that identifies van and SUV drivers as the heaviest users of cell phones while behind the wheel. While 54% of drivers have some kind of wireless phone in the vehicle with them, only 3% are talking at any given time. However, the percentage for SUV and van drivers is 8%. The study, released July 23 by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, estimated that 500,000 drivers of passenger vehicles are talking on hand-held phones during any given daytime moment throughout the week. Researchers did not include those who used hands-free equipment.
Both adult and young adult drivers were found to use cell phones at about
the same rate. Female drivers were observed using cell phones more frequently
that male drivers. Read the full article
on eTrucker.com . 
- Center for Urban Transportation Research: investigation of the use of mobile phones while driving
- Full NHTSA report (4 page PDF)
- Drivers.com on phone use while driving
- NHTSA's press release
