Final answer:
The true statement about using cell phones on Maryland roads is that you should pull off the road and stop before making a call for safety reasons. Using a hand-held cell phone while driving is banned, and driving while distracted by a cell phone conversation can lead to accidents and traffic violations.
Step-by-step explanation:
The correct answer to the question about using cell phones on Maryland roads is: B. If you must make a call, pull safely off the road and stop before making the call. It is not safe to have long telephone conversations to avoid highway hypnosis as it can be a significant distraction and may lead to dangerous driving situations. Nor is it advisable to reduce your speed while talking on the phone, as this can also present a hazard on the road. Importantly, using a hand-held cell phone while driving is prohibited in many areas, including Maryland, due to the increased risk of accidents associated with this behavior.
When it comes to cell phone usage in vehicles, the main concerns revolve around safety and minimizing distractions. Research such as that referenced by Bayer and Campbell (2012) suggests that the habit of texting while driving, even on a subconscious level, can significantly increase the risk of accidents. Furthermore, the importance of focusing on driving is highlighted by data that suggests a link between cell phone usage while driving and an increase in speeding violations. Lastly, in certain environments like airplanes and hospitals, cell phones must be switched off or placed in noncommunicative modes due to the potential for interference with critical communication or medical equipment.