A
research team at the
University of
Utah have claimed that those people using
mobile phones whilst they drive, as well as presumably posing a danger to other road users, also slow the
traffic down.
The team found that people speaking on
mobile phones drive slower than normal, are less likely to give way or overtake, and take longer to reach their destination. When productivity and
fuel costs are considered, the research team think that drivers on phones are costing the nation thousands.
The team, lead by
psychology professor at the University of Utah, Dave Strayer, said that
mobile phone motorists were interrupting commuting for the average person.