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AAA Study: 'Public Safety Crisis' Ahead Due To Distracted Driving

BOSTON (CBS) – New research by AAA shows that avoiding distracted driving isn't as simple as putting down the cell phone when you're behind the wheel.

The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety performed research recently that showed mental distractions can cause danger for drivers - even when they have their hands on the wheel and their eyes on the road.

According to AAA's research, as distractions increase, reaction time slows, brain function is compromised and drivers scan the road less for important sights like stop signs and pedestrians.

Dr. David Strayer, a cognitive distraction expert from the University of Utah, measured factors such as brainwaves and eye movement using cameras mounted in a test car that tracked eye and head movement of drivers.

In addition, a device was used to track reaction time and a skull cap with an electroencephalographic (EEG) built in was utilized to track brain activity.

While being monitored, drivers performed tasks such as listening to their radio, talking on the phone, and responding to voice-activated emails while driving.

Results showed that listening to the radio provided minimal risk and talking on the cell phone, whether hands-free or not, proved to be a moderate risk.

Listening and responding to email using voice-activated commands provides an extensive risk, the study showed.

"These findings reinforce previous research that hands free is not risk free," said AAA Foundation President and CEO Peter Kissinger.

"Increased mental workload and cognitive distractions can lead to a type of tunnel vision or inattention blindness where motorists don't see potential hazards right in front of them."

AAA seeks to use the research as a talking point with policymakers, hoping to prevent in-vehicle technology from becoming a bigger hazard on the roads.

According to AAA, a five-fold increase in "infotainment systems" is expected by 2018.

"There is a looming public safety crisis ahead with the future proliferation of these in-vehicle technologies," said AAA President and CEO Robert L. Darbelnet.

"It's time to consider limiting new and potentially dangerous mental distractions built into cars, particularly with the common public misperception that hands free means risk free."

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