Wireless communications

Since the introduction of cellular telephones in 1983, there have been dramatic changes in the cellular industry. With a growth rate of about 40 percent per year, it is estimated there are now more than 150 million cellular phone users in the United States. Changes in technology, from heavy, cumbersome and expensive cellular telephones, to inexpensive, miniature hand held units, smaller than a pack of cigarettes, have had a significant impact on when, where and how we conduct our affairs, both business and personal. Societal pressures for increased efficiency, more leisure time, and an improved sense of safety, have placed wireless communications at the forefront of potential situations for an increasingly mobile and technologically sophisticated populace.

While voice communications has been the primary focus of the cellular industry, recently the desire to "work on the road" has resulted in a move toward the integration of technologies. This trend is such that cellular communications can now be the focal point of a truly "mobile office" including E-mail, fax, and internet services in addition to telephone, voice-mail and paging capabilities from any location.

Indeed, time spent commuting, caught up in traffic and just plain traveling, can now be productive. In addition, the cellular telephone brought with it a sense of security for those concerned about traveling alone in unfamiliar areas or concerned about vehicle break down. It is not surprising then that more than 85 percent of cellular telephone owners use their phones at least occasionally while driving, and more than 27 percent use their phones during half or more of their trips.

The recent growth of cellular telephone use crosses all ages and gender boundaries. More than just the latest electronic toy, cellular telephones have become an integral part of our business and personal lives. They are used to schedule appointments, broker deals, call for assistance, report emergencies, (auto crashes, impaired drivers and reckless driving) and maintain contact with loved ones.

Specific aspects of cellular telephone use have been identified which demonstrates that phone conversation rather than dialing is the most frequently reported related factor in crashes. Contrary to expectation, the majority of drivers were talking on their phones rather than dialing at the time of the crash. A few drivers were also startled when their phones rang, and as they reached for their phones, they ran off the road. Other driver factors included driving too fast for conditions or failing to yield. The overwhelming majority of cellular telephone users were in the striking vehicle, and struck cars or other large objects that were in clear view of the driver. There are trends that show cellular telephone use is a growing factor in crashes. Driver inattention is the most frequently cited pre-crash condition for drivers who use cellular telephones.

In Florida (*FHP) and some other states, cellular emergency calls are directed to the state police. The increase in the number of calls has been so great, that these states are attempting to build an infrastructure to handle the volume of calls received. The state police surveyed are generally appreciative of the quick notification capabilities afforded by cellular telephones.

Problems arise however, when numerous calls are made to report the same incident, or the emergency network is used frivolously. When a serious mishap occurs, as many as 100 or more calls may be received, which jams the lines and potentially prevents other emergencies from being reported. Of greater concern are the 50 to 60 percent of the 911 calls that do not reflect true emergencies.

The driver must concentrate on the road and traffic while driving. He or she may not carry out activities while driving which negatively impact the operation of the vehicle.¹¹