Determining the precise number of vehicle accidents linked to cellular telephone usage in 1983 is fundamentally impossible. The first commercially available cellular phone in the United States was introduced in October 1983. Prior to its widespread adoption, tracking its influence on vehicular incidents was not a recognized data collection priority.
The significance of understanding distracted driving’s impact is underscored by the potential for preventing injuries and fatalities. Examining historical trends provides a baseline for evaluating the effectiveness of future safety initiatives. However, the limited availability and nascent stage of cellular technology in 1983 render any data on its role in accidents speculative, at best. The focus at the time centered on other factors contributing to vehicular collisions.
