A study has shown drivers talking on cell phones are more dangerous than drunk drivers.

Last year, researchers at the University of Utah put 41 volunteers in a driving simulator. They drove under three conditions: phone-free, with a cell phone and with a blood alcohol content of 0.08 percent, which is considered legally intoxicated in Illinois.

The drivers in the study traveled behind a simulated pace car on a four-lane highway. While under normal conditions or while drunk, the driver managed to avoid hitting the pace car.

However, three drivers on cell phones rear-ended the car.

According to the study, the drivers with cell phones compensated for their distraction by driving slower and accelerating more slowly. It also took them 18 percent longer to regain their speed than it did when they were drunk. While on the phone, drivers’ reaction times were longer and they applied less pressure to the brake.

A similar study by the same researchers found drivers were able to process half as much visual information while on the phone.

DeKalb police Lt. Jim Kayes said the city has not had a significant problem with drivers talking on the phone, at least not one that is evident in police reports.

DeKalb police have documented three cell-phone-related accidents in the last year.

“The number of reports doesn’t necessarily mean it’s not an issue,” Kayes said. “If you’re the one guy, you pay a really high price.”

University Police Sgt. John Kreutziger did not have any data available on cell-phone-related accidents, but he said officers’ personal experience shows the correlation.

Kreutziger said he has seen his share of dangerous cell-phone drivers. He said cell-phone use is as hazardous as other distractions, such as eating or applying makeup.

According to the Governor’s Highway Safety Association, the only prohibitive Illinois state legislation on the books keeps school bus drivers from talking on the phone while driving, except in emergencies.

Some foreign governments have banned the use of cell phones while driving. New York starting fining drivers in 2001 up to $100 for using hand-held cell phones while driving.

Maine does not allow teen drivers to use cell phones, and 12 other states have varying degrees of restriction on phone use while driving.