Study: New York Cell Phone Ban Could Help Reduce Urban Car Accidents

A new study released by Sheldon H. Jacobson has revealed that handheld cell phones are more effective in high-density urban areas like New York City. The study, which studied data from 62 countries involved in cell phone bans found that although all drivers are equally distracted while driving and talking on a cell phone, those in high-traffic and high-pedestrian areas are more likely to become involved in an accident while multi-tasking behind the wheel.

Specifically, the study found that since lawmakers banned talking on the cell phone in New York, urban counties such as Queens, the Bronx, and New York County, saw a significant reduction in fatal car accidents and car accident injuries, especially when compared to the reduction in car accidents in more rural upstate counties.

Generally, researchers found that the cell phone ban reduced the number of fatal car accidents in 46 of the 62 countries that have enacted a handheld cell phone ban.