Researchers in Australia are working to quantify the risks of distracted driving. Their latest study suggests distracted drivers tend to slow down, which can engender a variety of dangerous scenarios.

Often, people equate slower speeds with a reduction in the risk of traffic accidents and automobile accident injuries. But the latest research, detailed in the journal Accident Analysis and Prevention, shows slow-driving distracted drivers can incite road rage and inspire a distinct set of accident risks.

"While it's illegal to use a handheld mobile phone while driving in Australia research has shown drivers continue to adopt the dangerous practice," Oscar Oviedo-Trespalacios, a researcher at the University of Queensland, said in a news release.

Researchers found distracted drivers slow an average of more than 3 miles per hour when tailing another vehicle and an average of 2 miles per hour when driving in free-flowing traffic.

"The negative consequences this has on other road users include increased risk of nose-to-tail crashes as a result of sudden stopping, perception of discourteous or aggressive driver behaviour, as well congestion to the transport system," Oviedo-Trespalacios said. "I guess the question needs to be asked, do we really want to sacrifice safety, efficiency and courtesy just to have a conversation?"

Oviedo-Trespalacios hopes his work can illuminate ways to make distracted driving safer.

"We need to consider that if we can't stop drivers using their mobile phones, is there a way to make it safe?" he said.

One way to minimize risk would be to make mobile phones more context-aware and work only when conditions are safe.

"Other options maybe looking at advances in technology and developing warning systems that alert drivers when they are distracted, or advise drivers of when it is safe to use their phone handsfree," Oviedo-Trespalacios concluded.

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