October 6, 2008 – iPod Use Causes Driver Distraction, Study Says

Using an iPod while driving a motor vehicle can triple a driver’s risk of crashing, according to a recent study.

The study, conducted by engineer Donald L. Fisher of the University of Massachusetts, showed that experienced drivers, who were familiar with using an iPod, focused on the music device instead of the road for a full two seconds.

Earlier research has shown that being distracted for two seconds or more while driving triples a driver’s risk of getting into an accident. Fisher believes the study proves that lawmakers need to address the issue.

“It just seems unacceptable to me, yet they’re selling these holders for the iPod,” the Human Performance Lab engineer said. “Nobody’s talking about this.”

In an earlier study of drivers between the ages of 16 and 18, Fisher found that inexperienced drivers are even more likely to get distracted while driving.

In that study, fifty-five percent of the novice drivers were not watching the road for a dangerous length of time because of an in-vehicle distraction.