Withheld Data Shows Cell Phone Driving Dangers

July 2009

Over 250 pages of research done in 2003 that highlight the risks of cell phone use while driving have finally been released. They were withheld from the public by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), which feared losing federal funding if seen by Congress as lobbying to the states.

The research estimated that using a cell phone resulted in 240,000 accidents and 955 deaths in 2002. It also concluded that hands-free devices are not necessarily safer than hand-held phones. In addition to not releasing the findings, the agency also decided not to send a letter that it drafted to the Transportation Secretary, warning states that hands-free laws might not be an effective solution.

Two consumer advocacy groups, The Center for Auto Safety and Public Citizen, filed a Freedom of Information Act lawsuit, ensuring that the NHTSA disclosed the research. The NHTSA claims they failed to publicize the information not only for fear of losing funding, but also because some of the data was inconclusive.