Cell Phones Boon To Auto Body Shops

Tuesday, July 12th -- A recent study by the University of Sydney Australia suggests that increased cell phone usage is proving to be a windfall for auto body repair shops around the world. The study was based on an analysis of 456 drivers who were hospitalized as a result of injuries sustained in traffic accidents and who also owned and used cell phones.

The study reviewed the cell phone records of these individuals in the 10-minute and 5-minute periods just prior to the accident. In all cases it was determined that cell phone usage was most likely the cause of the accident. There was no distinction based on age or gender. There was no benefit for the use of hands-free phones. The study findings concluded that cell phone usage while driving increases the likelihood of ending up in the hospital, and of paying a visit to the local auto body shop, by a factor of 400%.

Auto body trade associations reacted favorably to the news.