The Relationship between Cellular Phone Use, Performance, and Reaction Time among College Students: Implications for Cellular Phone Use While Driving

Abstract

Two studies were performed to determine the relationship between cellular phone use and either reaction time or performance among college students. In the first study 60 undergraduates completed a computerized reaction time test. Mean reaction times were significantly higher when participants were talking on a cellular phone, either handheld or on a headset, than when they were not. In the second study 40 undergraduates steered a remote-controlled car through an obstacle course. Performance scores were significantly poorer for participants when they were talking on a cellular phone than when they were not. A majority of participants reported using cellular phones while driving, yet believed this was a dangerous practice. We recommend incorporation of education about cellular phone use and driving in health/safety curriculums for high school and college students.