Mobile phone distraction: understanding thei nconsistencies between simulator and naturalistic driving study findings

A major current controversy within the driver distraction community is the apparent mismatch between findings on the safety impact of mobile phone conversation found in driving simulators versus real-world naturalistic driving studies (NDS). To this end, the aim of this study was to undertake a critical appraisal of relevant literature and conduct targeted consultations with distraction experts to identify possible reasons for this apparent inconsistency in findings. The methods, results, findings from the study, and their theoretical and practical implications, are discussed.