NEWARK, NJ – New studies of the impact of cell phone use on accident deaths shows that “cell phone use has a significant adverse effect on pedestrian safety as well as traffic fatalities.

The new studies were lead-authored by Rutgers University, Newark, Economics Professor Peter D. Loeb. They did offer one unusual result.

Initially cell phones actually reduced traffic accident fatalities because injured victims could call for help, say the R

That “life-saving” effect disappeared after cell phone use passed 100 million, the study say.

After that, research shows cell phone use adds to both pedestrian and traffic fatalities even when other factors such as alcohol use and speed and seat belt use are considered.

The study follows others (by different researchers) that suggest using cell phones while driving can be as dangerous as drinking and driving.

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