Study Reveals Cell Phones Are Addictive

A National Safety Council (NSC) public opinion poll found more than eight in 10 Americans believe cell phones are addictive, underscoring the need to help drivers kick their cell phone use habit – even hands-free.

The Council is launching a national campaign, Calls Kill, to illustrate that hands-free cell phones are not risk-free, and no call is worth a life.

The campaign launch coincides with Distracted Driving Awareness Month, observed each April.

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“For far too long, we have prioritized convenience over safety,” says Deborah A.P. Hersman, president and CEO, National Safety Council. “When we get behind the wheel, we have an obligation to keep one another safe. Drivers who justify cell phone use with the hands-free myth are disregarding that obligation. It’s time to reconcile the cost of being constantly connected with the consequences of risky behavior behind the wheel.”

Calls Kill targets hands-free use because eight in 10 drivers mistakenly believe hands-free devices are safer. Drivers who are talking on cell phones – even hands-free – are cognitively distracted by the conversation and do not adequately focus on the important task of driving.

As part of the Calls Kill campaign, the Council urges drivers to take the Focused Driver Challenge and pledge to drive cell free. Drivers who take the pledge will be entered into weekly drawings to win prizes.

You can visit Calls Kill campaign website for downloadable posters, infographics, videos, tip sheets and other information related to this topic.

Founded in 1913 and chartered by Congress, the National Safety Council is a nonprofit organization which aims to save lives by preventing injuries and deaths at work, in homes and communities, and on the road through leadership, research, education, and advocacy.