Cell phone use while driving: illusory control, perceived ability to compensate, and distractibility

The California Wireless Telephone Automobile Safety Act (2006) went into effect in 2008 followed by two additional laws specifically prohibiting text-based communication on an electronic wireless communications device while driving a motor vehicle, effective in 2009 (S. Rep. No. 110-1613, 2006). These laws and similar ones enacted in other states have established the use of wireless devices as unsafe while operating a motor vehicle. Research has continued to examine the negative effects of using a wireless device as well as the impact to drivers resulting from this law. Wireless devices continue to interfere with drivers' abilities to comply with their primary responsibilities behind the wheel; however, hands-free legislation has not successfully reduced these risks. This study sought to whether distractibility was a better predictor of risky driving, cell phone use and text message use compared to illusory control and perceived ability to compensate. Distractibility was found to be a better predictor and explained more variance in risky driving, cell phone use and text message use compared illusory control and perceived ability to compensate. Outcomes may illuminate better strategies for prevention of communicating on a wireless device while operating a moving vehicle.