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The University of Utah: Pioneers in Distracted Driving Research

Written by

Rodney Crawford

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Distracted driving is a leading cause of road accidents, especially among teenagers and young adults. While many organizations and universities have studied this problem, the University of Utah stands out for its groundbreaking research into the science of distraction behind the wheel. Their studies have shaped how educators, policymakers, and the public understand the dangers of using cell phones, texting, and multitasking while driving.

Landmark Studies and Their Impact

1. Cell Phones and Drunk Driving: An Alarming Comparison

One of the University of Utah’s most influential studies was published in the journal Human Factors in 2006 by Dr. David Strayer and colleagues. The researchers compared the effects of cell phone use and alcohol consumption on driving performance using a driving simulator.

  • Key finding: Drivers talking on cell phones—whether handheld or hands-free—were just as impaired as those driving with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08%, the legal limit for drunk driving in many states (source).
  • This study debunked the myth that hands-free devices are safe and led to many states enacting stricter cell phone laws for drivers.

2. The “Gorilla Study”: Inattentional Blindness Behind the Wheel

Inspired by the classic “Invisible Gorilla” experiment, University of Utah researchers placed a person in a gorilla suit near the driving simulator’s virtual roadway while participants drove and talked on the phone.

  • Result: Most drivers on the phone failed to notice the gorilla, demonstrating “inattentional blindness”—where the brain misses obvious things when focused elsewhere (source).
  • This study provided real-world evidence that distracted drivers miss critical events, not because they don’t look, but because their attention is elsewhere.

3. Multitasking Myth: The Brain’s Limited Attention

Another major area of University of Utah research is debunking the idea that people can “multitask” effectively while driving.

  • Their studies show that only about 2.5% of people—termed “supertaskers”—can juggle driving and other demanding tasks without losing performance (source).
  • For everyone else, multitasking leads to slower reaction times, more mistakes, and a higher risk of accidents.

Why This Research Matters

The University of Utah’s research has had far-reaching effects:

  • Public Awareness: Their findings are widely cited in news media, school curriculums, and driver’s education materials.
  • Legislation: Many states have passed bans on handheld device use or texting while driving, directly influenced by these studies.
  • Education: Driving schools now use these findings to educate new drivers on why they must avoid distractions on the road.

For anyone learning to drive or teaching safe driving habits, understanding the science behind distracted driving is crucial. That’s why resources like Drive Smart Driving School incorporate the latest research in their driver’s education programs, helping students become safer, more responsible drivers.

Conclusion

The University of Utah’s research has fundamentally changed our understanding of distracted driving. Their studies show that using a cell phone while driving is not only dangerous, but as risky as drunk driving, and that multitasking is a myth for most people. Thanks to their work, drivers and lawmakers have a better understanding of the real dangers, paving the way for safer roads.

References

For more information on safe driving education and practical tips, visit Drive Smart Driving School.

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