["Handy-cap" in street traffic. Mobile telephone considerably affects driving-relevant performance]

The increasing popularity of mobile telephones prompts the question: are they a danger when used while driving? To date, Germany has no law regulating such use. An international enquiry showed that four European and three non-European countries punish the use of mobile phones by drivers. Analysis of scientific studies on the hazard potential of such devices when used in vehicles unequivocally shows a marked impairment of driving performance. Although this cannot be applied to any particular individual, there is indeed a general potential road traffic hazard. There is thus an urgent need to make users aware of the dangers and for legislature to demand the use of no-hand phones in vehicles. A specific punishment by law (inhibition of mobile phones) must be critically discussed.