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Chapter 1

Chapter 1 Table of Contents

1.1 Introduction

1.2 Wireless Communication

1.3 Industry Focus on Safety

1.4 Legislative Issues

1.5 Objective and Scope

1.6 Approach

1.7 Organization of this Report

1.8 Definition of Terms

67 Years Ago

"A grave problem that developed in New Hampshire, spread to Massachusetts, and crept over to Albany, now has all the motor-vehicle commissioners of the eastern states in a wax. It's whether radios should be allowed on cars. Some states don't want to permit them at all - say they distract the driver and disturb the peace. The manufacturers claim that the sound of Rudy Vallee's voice is less disturbing than backseat conversation. Massachusetts leans toward the middle of the road. The commissioner there thinks the things should be shut off while you are driving, but that you should be allowed to take culture with you into the wilderness. The whole problem is getting very complex, but the upshot is that you'll probably be allowed to take your radio anywhere, with possibly some restriction on the times when you can play it."

Written by Nicholas Trott in 1930 -(Courtesy of Lawrence Ashmead, New York City) -as published in The Farmers' Almanac, 1995

1.1 Introduction

Cellular telephones were introduced to the American marketplace in 1983. The early models of these transportable communications devices included large battery packs and carrying cases, and cost thousands of dollars. Only a decade later, cellular telephones are even smaller than a package of cigarettes, and some models are capable of multitasking activities such as transmitting computer files, paging, maintaining continuous communications through e-mail and voice-mail connections, and even "surfing" the Internet.

The Cellular Telecommunications Industry Association (CTIA), the leading national organization which represents both wireless carriers and manufacturers, reports that there are currently over 50 million cellular customers in the United States, with an industry growth rate of about 40% per year. Although this rate is expected to decline in future years, it is estimated that there will be as many as 80 million users by the year 2000.

This rapid growth has brought with it a change in the demographics of cellular telephone users: from middle-aged businessmen to users encompassing all age groups, and social and economic classes, including those with less ability to task-share such as the elderly, and novice and occasional drivers. Facilitating the growth of the user base has been a reduction in the costs for cellular service, which has markedly declined, with an average monthly bill of only $51.00 for local subscribers, many of whom received their telephones for free. The cellular telephone industry is now worth an estimated $19 billion per year and growing. The number of "cell" sites (areas of service) across the nation is rapidly approaching 23,000. Given the moderate costs, availability of service areas, and ease of use, it is not surprising that cellular telephones are being rapidly adopted as fixtures in the American way of life.

Over 1 in 10 Americans now use cellular telephones, and the usage patterns are continuously changing.

In 1995, according to CTIA, approximately 73% of all cellular telephones sold were tiny pocket models (hand-held or "flip-phone"), followed by installed cellular telephones (also called mobile or car phones), and the larger transportable devices (portable cellular telephones). Over 1 in 10 Americans now use cellular telephones, and the usage patterns are continuously changing. In 1990, industry surveys reported that 60% of cellular telephones were used primarily for business purposes, and 40% primarily for personal use. By 1994, this trend began to change, and business use accounted for 44% compared to 56% for personal conversations.

Cellular telephone usage has become so commonplace, that even social norms are being examined. Etiquette columns in newspapers have addressed the proper methods for receiving and placing calls during various social functions. In Chile, where cellular telephones compensate for poor land line service, some restaurants ask their customers to check their phones at the door, and the Long Island Railroad has established a "cellular free" parlor car for those seeking fewer distractions during their commute.

1996, Motorola, Inc. StarTAC

The majority of owners state that they purchased their phones for safety reasons, and many jurisdictions have developed special toll free numbers such as *FHP in Florida, and #77 in Maryland, for the reporting of drunk drivers, motor vehicle collisions and other highway emergencies. Nationally, the CTIA reports that about 18 million cellular calls are made each year to 911 or other emergency numbers. Both the law enforcement and safety communities have been very supportive of such use. In 1995, the J. Stannard Baker Award to a private citizen was bestowed upon Suzanne Peterson who initiated a program in Utah which trained 1,500 cellular subscribers in the best methods to report impaired drivers to law enforcement agencies. And a 1995 survey of consumer support for future automotive technologies conducted by J.D. Power & Associates found that automatic 911 dialing in case of a crash was a very popular feature among prospective car buyers.

Flip Telephone

Factory Installed Car Telephone

Portable Telephone

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An Investigation of the Safety Implications of Wireless Communications in Vehicles Chapter 1: Background

1.2 Wireless Communication Technologies

The evolution of wireless technology has seen a number of changes in recent years. While "cellular" communications, based on analog architectures, has dominated the market to date, new technological developments have resulted in the introduction of digital architectures and associated formats as well as competing technologies. Of greatest significance is the ongoing migration from analog to digital formats for cellular carriers. The competing technology, PCS (personal communications services) is based entirely on digital formats and is currently greatly expanding its geographic base to become a formidable competitor to the cellular industry. The improved clarity, security and services potentially available (e.g., high speed data transmission, paging, e-mail, etc.) through the application of digital formats, for both cellular and PCS carriers, will likely see a significant expansion in the customer base in future years. While three digital formats are currently being promoted (Global System for Mobile communications [GSM], Time Division Multiple Access [TDMA], and Code Division Multiple Access [CDMA]), there appears to be little that functionally distinguishes them.

Insofar as available wireless services and capabilities will likely serve as bases for future competition between the two technologies (although some argue there is little difference between the two), there is particular relevance for safety in the use of these technologies while driving, since increasing availability of these services has the potential to increase both use of wireless communications in vehicles, and attentional demands on drivers using these capabilities. Nevertheless, industry projections suggest that it will be 2004 before each wireless architecture (i.e., cellular analog, cellular digital and PCS digital) will have approximately equal numbers of subscribers (Handler, 1997).

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An Investigation of the Safety Implications of Wireless Communications in Vehicles Chapter 1: Background

1.3 Industry Focus on Safety

Both the cellular equipment manufacturers and the CTIA frequently remind users that driving is their primary responsibility. The cellular industry in general has placed considerable emphasis on safety. In addition, manufacturers of cellular accessories have specifically targeted safety in their products.

The cellular industry in general has placed considerable emphasis on safety.

For example, in a recent advertisement, Cellular Works stated "Eliminate potential driving hazards with a hands-free Kit from Cellular Works that converts your portable cellular to a car phone. Enjoy crystal clear conversation with both hands safely on the wheel...." Another advertisement follows a similar theme: "Now there's an easier, safer way to use your cellular phone. The CellBaseTM Universal Hands-Free Car Kit lets you keep your hands free... so you can leave them on the wheel. And not only will your driving be safer in terms of other folks on the road, life will be a lot easier inside your car, too. No more flying car phone!"

From the above examples it is apparent that manufacturers clearly recognize the potential risks of in-vehicle cellular telephone use. As a remedy, they encourage the use of hands-free equipment in motor vehicles, along with use of memory-dial capabilities and voice activation features. In addition, the industry emphasizes the safety benefits and the sense of security that can accompany cellular telephone ownership. At the same time, the industry has continued to improve the ease of use features ( at least for installed car phones) for drivers.

In 1995, Prevention Magazine published a 1994 reader survey which found that 41% of adults believe that driving is less risky now than it was in previous years. When asked what habits they had that might cause crashes, 18% reported talking on the phone. In response to industry efforts to further enhance safety, about 80% of car phones being sold for fixed or "permanent" installation in vehicles have the hands-free feature. As stated earlier, however, such installations represent a small share of the market.

Many Americans are using their hand held portable units while driving, and mounting brackets and stands for these phones are widely marketed. One question that arises is whether eliminating the need to hold the phone while using it is enough to ensure safe driving during use. Researchers have only begun to examine the safety implications of phone use while driving. A comprehensive literature review (see Chapter 5 and Appendix C) and analysis of available crash data (see Chapter 3) are presented later in this report.

One question that arises is whether eliminating the need to hold the phone while using it is enough to ensure safe driving during use.

While the evolution of car (mobile) phones has been toward more "human factored" hands-free systems, the more popular universal portables have become smaller with folding keypad/touchpad architectures ("flip-phones"). Though very popular, the hand held units are typically difficult to operate with one hand, can be easily dropped, and may require more "positioning" by the driver, since they are more likely to experience transmission difficulties due to lower power and an integrated antenna (within the vehicle).

The resulting manual and cognitive "distractions," it has been suggested, may have an even greater adverse influence on driving behavior and performance than "mobile phone" systems (i.e., permanently installed units), under certain conditions. It appears that this is the basis for the focus on hand held cellular telephones by some legislative efforts. A market survey of currently available cellular telephone models and related equipment is included in Appendix B.

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An Investigation of the Safety Implications of Wireless Communications in Vehicles Chapter 1: Background

1.4 Legislative Initiatives

While the benefits of cellular telephone use frequently have been called out, concern regarding the safety of operating a motor vehicle while using a cellular telephone has been of sufficient magnitude that legislative action has sometimes been initiated. Such action has taken place within the international community and within some U.S. states. In several instances within the international community legislation has, in fact, been adopted, typically allowing the exclusive use of hands-free wireless telephones while driving. In the United States, however, no such attempts have been successful.

As reported in Petica and Bluet (1989), where foreign legislation has been passed, it appears that it has been based on research studies or on empirical observations, although it is not clear what specific findings, observations, or incidents may have prompted the various laws.

International Laws

Petica and Bluet (1989), of the French highway safety research institution (INRETS), conducted a survey among approximately 100 research and policy making institutes in 22 countries. They report that 66% of the responses from industrialized countries (31 responses received) view cellular telephone use by drivers as potentially dangerous, especially when hand held units are used. Only 17% of the respondents believe that there is insufficient data on the subject at this time to support legislation. Another 17% of those surveyed had no opinion.

The survey respondents had a variety of opinions as to which measures would be used to minimize the safety decrements potentially presented by cellular telephone use. The "adoption and application" of regulations was anticipated by 22%, the dissemination of information and educational materials was cited by 39% and standardization of features, and improved ergonomic design was cited by an additional 39%.

The State of Victoria in Australia was apparently the first jurisdiction to address the issue of cellular telephone use in motor vehicles in legislation (in 1988) by banning the use of hand held telephones while driving.1 The State of New South Wales in Australia2 and a number of other nations, have enacted similar bans since that time. These include Spain3, Israel 4, Portugal,5 Italy6, Brazil7, and Chile8. The penalties and fines in Spain (from 10,000 [about $80] to a possible 100,000 pesetas [about $800]) are considered to be the most stringent in Europe to date (Petica and Bluet, 1989).

The legislation of some nations prohibits the use of cellular telephones while driving specifically because it could cause driver distraction. The Swiss Code of Traffic Regulations, for example, prescribes that, "The driver must concentrate on the road and the traffic while driving. He or she may not carry out activities while driving which negatively impact the operation of the vehicle." The Code states specifically that drivers must make sure they are not distracted by radio or other audio devices.9 Switzerland imposes a fine of 100 swiss francs (about $80) for the use of a car phone in a moving vehicle without using a hand-free device.10

Similarly, in Great Britain, Highway Code, Rule 43 (1992) provides, "you must exercise proper control of your vehicle at all times. Do not use a hand held telephone or microphone while you are driving ... Do not speak into a hands-free microphone if it will take your mind off the road. You must not stop on the hard shoulder of a motor way to answer or make a call, except in an emergency." This language is apparently unique in recognizing the potential distraction caused by cellular telephone conversations. The cautions against pulling to the side of the road to make a call conflict with recommendations made by manufacturers in the U.S. to place calls from the road shoulder.

By contrast, France and Sweden have, thus far, chosen to operate under general provisions in their existing driving codes (Petica and Bluet, 1989). French law provides, "the driver of a vehicle must constantly be in position to execute freely and without delay all driving maneuvers."11 The law in Sweden states, "Motor vehicle drivers must take the necessary caution, care and prudence while on the road to avoid traffic accidents." 12

In Germany, the police and Federal Highway Research Institute have collected data which they plan to analyze in 1997. The analysis will be used to determine whether legislation is needed. Meanwhile, Germany's Federal Ministry of Transport advises drivers to use "Freisprechanlage," or hands-free models, while driving.13

Austria and the Netherlands are reportedly considering laws that would restrict cellular telephone use to hands-free units, when the car is parked or when traveling at low speeds (Petica and Bluet, 1989). Japan and Finland have, at least initially, concluded that laws limiting cellular telephone use while driving may not be effective because it is difficult to control behavior (Petica and Bluet, 1989). Copies of many of these laws have been included in this report in Appendix A.

State Laws in the United States

It is unlawful to drive recklessly in every State in the United States. In addition, a number of states have laws on their books that prohibit careless or inattentive driving.

In Delaware, for example, drivers are specifically required by statute "to give full time and attention to the operation of the vehicle." The statute provides that persons who fail to maintain a proper lookout while operating a vehicle "shall be guilty of inattentive driving." New Mexico's law provides that drivers must give their "full time and entire attention to the operation of the vehicle." The law further provides that "any person who operates a vehicle in a careless, inattentive or imprudent manner ... is guilty of a misdemeanor." Careless or inattentive driving is also an offense in Idaho and Wisconsin. Penalties for a first or subsequent violation of inattentive driving in these States include fines ranging from $20 to $400 and, in some cases, imprisonment. In Idaho, a offender could face imprisonment of up to six months in jail.

In one Ohio case14 a conviction was upheld by the Court of Appeals where a driver was cited for operating a motor vehicle without giving full time and attention to its operation. The driver was using a cellular telephone and, while hanging it up, mistakenly began to exit the roadway. When he realized his error, he weaved to re-enter the interstate. While no interference or contact was made with another vehicle, an observing officer cited him for "weaving across curb and center lines of traffic."

To date, however, no State has enacted legislation to specifically limit the use of cellular telephones on the highway. Such legislation has been introduced or considered in a number of States, but none has yet been enacted.

In 1989, for example, a bill was introduced to the Minnesota State Legislature to ban the use of hand-held phones on the highway. Similar bills have been introduced in Arizona, Massachusetts, Virginia and New Jersey (Frisbie, 1991). In 1995 and 1996, proposed bills attempting to address this issue in several States were introduced. None of these bills were enacted. Some of these bills are described below.

Hawaii's bill, H.R. 284, introduced in 1995, was based on a finding that "the increasing use by motorists of cellular radio telephones, or 'car phones,' together with laptop computers, portable facsimile machines, and similar devices, are a potential danger to safe driving in this State, and may constitute a contributing factor in an increasing number of the State's traffic accidents."

The bill noted that "the improper use of such hand-held equipment may be a distraction." If it had been enacted, the bill would have made it unlawful "to operate a cellular radio telephone, computer, facsimile, or other portable or laptop device, which requires holding the unit, or a portion of the unit, with one or both hands in order to operate the unit, while operating a motor vehicle." The legislation would have permitted use of "hands-free" cellular telephones, and would have otherwise permitted cellular telephone use for use in emergency situations, or if the driver had safely pulled over out of the stream of traffic to the shoulder of the road, or to another safe area off the road, and come to a complete stop. A violation of this law would have resulted in a fine of $100, but would not have resulted in the assessment of points. (Similar provisions were proposed also in Hawaii H.R. 341.)

In Virginia, House Bill 1666 would have prohibited the use of a "mobile telephone while operating a motor vehicle ... on the highways of [Virginia] unless at least one of [the driver's] hands remained on the steering wheel ... at all times."

Three acts were introduced in the New York State Legislature for consideration which related to cellular telephone use in motor vehicles. Each act addressed a different aspect of the issue.

  • Act 9769 would have made it unlawful for a person to operate a motor vehicle while "using a cellular or car phone." A person convicted of violating this provision would have been subject to a fine of $50.
  • Act 9768 would have required that manufacturers of cellular or car telephones affix warning labels to the packages of these products. The act provided that the labels read as follows, "The use of a cellular telephone or car phone while operating a motor vehicle has been known to be the cause of traffic accidents and caution is advised in such use."
  • Act 9770 would have required the New York Department of Motor Vehicles to record information relating to the use of cellular or car phones as a contributing factor in crashes, and to report this information annually, starting in 1997. This is the first piece of legislation, of which NHTSA is aware, that attempted to provide specifically for the focused collection of data on cellular telephone involvement in crashes.

It should be noted that Senate Bill 6237 was introduced in 1996 in the Washington State Legislature specifically to permit the use of hands-free telephones. At the time the bill was introduced, Washington State Law prohibited an individual from "wearing a headset or earphones connected to any electronic device capable of receiving radio broadcast or playing a sound recording" while driving. The bill contained an amendment to state specifically that the law was not intended to prohibit motorists from using "hands-free wireless communications systems." The amendment was enacted into law.

A similar provision was considered in Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania Law disallows the use of headphones, earphones or other similar devices while operating a vehicle. In 1995, House Bill 1424 was introduced to permit use of "a headset in conjunction with a cellular telephone that only provides sound through one ear and allows surrounding sounds to be heard with the other ear." This bill did not pass.

The agency is aware of bills under consideration in the Legislatures of six States during 1997, addressing cellular telephone use while driving.

House Bill 0562 was introduced in the State of Illinois in February 1997. If enacted, it would prohibit a driver from using "a telephone while operating the motor vehicle unless the telephone is equipped with and the driver uses an apparatus that allows the driver to talk and listen without holding the telephone or its handset or receiver." The legislation would not permit a driver to hold or touch a telephone, its handset or a receiver while operating a motor vehicle, except "to enable the apparatus, enter a telephone number, ... hang up or turn off the telephone."

Senate Bill 1131, introduced in February 1997 in the State of California, if enacted, would prohibit a person from driving a vehicle "while operating a cellular telephone if the operation of the telephone by the driver requires the driver to hold the telephone in his or her hand."

Oregon's Senate Bill 514, which was introduced in February 1997, would make it an offense, punishable by a fine of up to $75, for a person to drive "while using a mobile telephone if the person uses a mobile telephone while driving or moving a vehicle on a highway." Under this bill, a "mobile telephone" would mean a "hand-held device."

Legislative Bill 338, which was introduced in January 1997 in Nebraska, appears to reach even further. If enacted, this bill would prohibit any person from operating a motor vehicle "while using a cellular telephone," except in limited situations, such as for a medical emergency or if persons reasonably believe they or others are in physical danger. It appears that the bill would prohibit use of both hand-held and hands-free telephones. Persons who cause a collision because they were operating a motor vehicle while using a cellular telephone would be considered to have committed the offense of reckless driving and would be punished accordingly.

In the 220th Legislative Session of the New York State Legislature, four bills were introduced. Two of the bills, if enacted, would prohibit use of a hand held cellular telephone while operating a motor vehicle. Assembly Bill 4444 would make it unlawful for a person to operate a motor vehicle equipped with a "hand held cellular telephone which is in use while operating the vehicle." A person convicted of violating this provision would be subject to a fine of $50. Assembly Bill 5857 would prohibit a driver from operating a motor vehicle "while using a hand held cellular or cellular car telephone." It would provide a grace period of sixty seconds for the receipt and transmission of calls to pull the vehicle off the road and park in a safe location that will not interfere with the flow of traffic, and it would provide an exception for emergency situations. A violation of this provision would constitute an infraction under New York State law and would be punishable by a fine of up to $50. Second and subsequent offenses would be punishable by fines of at least $100 and $200, respectively.

The other two New York bills address the need for additional consideration of and information regarding the issue of cellular telephone use by motorists. Like the proposed legislation that was introduced in the New York State Legislature in 1996, New York's Assembly Bill 4588 (introduced in February 1997) requires the New York Department of Motor Vehicles to record information relating to the use of cellular or car telephones as a contributing factor in crashes, and to report this information annually. In accordance with this bill, reporting would begin in 1998. New York's Senate Bill 3481 would go a step further, by creating a "New York State Task Force on Communications Technology and Driver and Highway Safety." Under the bill, the task force would be charged with studying and recommending a course of action to address the use of cellular telephones while operating a motor vehicle. The recommendations would "be aimed at decreasing the risk of driving accidents due to cellular telephone use while driving" and the study would include:

... issues of highway and traffic safety as they relate to the use of cellular telephones and other communication devices while operating a motor vehicle ... [,] the impact of such recommendations upon businesses and individuals dependent on cellular telephones to conduct business and/or for other important purposes ... [,] innovative technologies being used and/or proposed to be used in motor vehicles cellular telephone usage that may help alleviate risks to highway and traffic safety ... [,] recommendations for public and private strategies to address these issues, as well as public information campaigns to educate and inform our resident and non-resident motorists of dangers associated with cellular telephone use while operating a motor vehicle and methods of lessening such potential dangers.

A bill has been introduced also in the New Jersey Legislature, to study the use of cellular telephones in motor vehicles. Under the bill, Senate Bill 1070, the New Jersey Commissioner of Insurance, the Highway Traffic Safety Policy Advisory Council and the Division of Highway Safety of the Department of Law and Public Safety would be required to collect and evaluate statistics showing whether the use of "manually held and manually dialed cellular telephones or certain other cellular telephones" by motor vehicle operators "has increased the incidence of accidents or accidents per mile of similar motor vehicles." These State officials would also be required to "evaluate and advise whether the use, non-use, or extent of use of cellular telephones by motorists should be proposed as a factor in determining: (a) lower premium rates of motor vehicle insurance policies where appropriate; (b) tort liability in motor vehicle accident law suits; (c) safety instructions given to customers by sellers, installers and lessors of cellular telephones; and (d) any other safety proposal on the use of cellular telephones.

Copies of the proposed bills cited above have been included in this report in Appendix A.

Road Safety (Traffic) Regulations, 1988, Reg.1502 (1)

Motor Traffic Regulations 1935, as amended, 90(d)

Law on the circulation of Motor Vehicles and Road Safety (art. 11.3) and the General Policy on Circulation (art.18.2)

Transportation Regulations, 5721-1961/1970, Regulation 28, Sections 1-28A and 1-28B, amended 1994

Decree-Law 114-94 (The Road Code), Article 85, Forbiding the Use of Certain Equipment.

Code of the Road - Rules of Behavior, Article 173

Private Communication (National Transportation Code, No. 5108, Article 89, XXI, b).

Montgomery Journal, Vol. 25, No. 85, p.1 (not verified by a copy of the law).

Verkehrsvegelnverordnung, November 13, 1952, systematische sammlung des Bundesrechts (sr) 741.11 art.3, par.1, as last amended by Verordnung, January 25, 1989, Amtliche Sammlungdes Bundesrechts (AS) 1989

Ordnungsbussenverordnung, March 4, 1996, No.311. AS 1996, p.1075 (1090)

Code de la Route, Titre Ier, Article R. 3-1

Svensk For fattnings samling 1972:603, as amended

Correspondence with Presse-und Informationsamt der Bundesregierung, Bonn, Germany

City of Cleveland v. Issacs, 91 Ohio App. 3d 360, 632 N.E. 2d 928 (1993).

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An Investigation of the Safety Implications of Wireless Communications in Vehicles Chapter 1: Background

1.5 Objective and Scope

Given the rising number of users of cellular telephones and the increasing number of services available through their use, it has been suggested that there may be a corresponding increase in cellular telephone related crashes. In addition, there have been a growing number of inquiries directed to NHTSA from the public, the media and members of Congress relating to the safety of using cellular telephones while driving. In response to this national level of concern, NHTSA initiated a program of research to develop a comprehensive body of knowledge on the subject. This report reflects one product of that research program.

The objective of this report is to assess the current state of knowledge regarding the impact of cellular telephone use on motor vehicle drivers while driving, and explore the broader safety issues associated with such use.

The primary scope of this report focuses on the potential impact of voice communications on driving. However, continuing development and availability of cellular technologies with integrated office functionality (e.g., network/Internet access, e-mail, paging, etc.) have also raised questions among some observers about the potential implications of such use on traffic safety. Thus, where relevant, consideration is also given to the possible impact of these technological developments.

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1.6 Approach

The approach taken in preparing this report included a review of available literature, targeted data collection, focus groups, public opinion and identification of potential links between driver phone use and specific traffic hazards. The information contained in this report is drawn from the broadest range of sources available.

This document reflects the current state of knowledge from a variety of perspectives including the general public, law enforcement personnel, legislators, cellular industry representatives, insurance companies, academia and the government.

This document reflects the current state of knowledge from a variety of perspectives including the general public, law enforcement personnel, legislators, cellular industry representatives, insurance companies, academia and the government. This comprehensive approach has developed a useful body of information while also defining areas in which additional targeted research would be beneficial. It is hoped that this information will be useful to the states in addressing the issue of cellular telephone use and safety, to the industry in optimizing the design and implementation of cellular technologies for safety, and to the driving public in using these communications and associated technologies appropriately.

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1.7 Organization of this Report

This "Investigation of the Safety Implications of Wireless Communications in Vehicles" is designed to present all available information, from human factors and crash investigation researchers, legislatures, law enforcement, public surveys, industry representatives, and the commercial marketplace, in a format that will allow the reader to examine and evaluate many aspects of the issues associated with cellular telephone use and driving.

The report begins with an overview of "Cellular Telephone Use in America." It presents results from public surveys which describe the changing demographics of the user population. The common business and personal usage patterns of subscribers, and the impact of such use on emergency identification and response is presented. This section also provides a closer look at phone user opinions on the safety of cellular telephone use while driving.

Chapter 3 discusses available crash information. There is a dearth of statistics with regard to cellular telephone related pre-crash factors. All available information from the federally sponsored Fatal Analysis Reporting System (FARS), and the National Automotive Sampling System (NASS) are shown.

Oklahoma and Minnesota are the only two states that attempt to systematically record cellular telephone use prior to a crash. Their data and the limitations of the data collection methodologies are reviewed. The Japanese National Police Agency conducted a focused crash investigation program during June, 1996. The results of that project do not necessarily apply to American driving situations, but do allow for interesting comparisons and contrasts with U.S. data. Individual case studies are also included which demonstrate the circumstances that can lead to a serious crash.

The "Analysis of Police Crash Report Narratives" involving cellular telephone usage in Chapter 4 represents a study drawn from an analysis of the narrative sections of selected (i.e., cellular telephone related) Police Crash Reports from North Carolina. The multi-year analysis shows that the number of cellular telephone related crashes is increasing in concert with the growing number of users. The study also identifies individuals using computers and other devices as crash antecedents.

Chapter 5 is a comprehensive review of simulator, and on-the-road, instrumented vehicle research conducted on cellular telephone use while driving. Available epidemiological studies are also reviewed. A critical analysis of these studies demonstrates their applicability to real world driving situations, and addresses their limitations, given the complexities of cellular telephone use in the driving environment.

The final chapter (Chapter 6), provides a discussion of what was learned in conducting this research and assembling this report. It identifies common threads drawn from the myriad of sources. The implications of the rapid introduction of cellular communications devices into the driving environment have not been adequately addressed by existing data collection systems. Thus, the discussion also focuses on what is still not known or well understood. The initiation of targeted research in a number of arenas is recommended.

The appendices provide copies of selected legislation, acknowledgments of contributions, a glossary of cellular technology terms, a list of references, a survey of cellular communications devices currently available and in use in motor vehicles, comprehensive critical reviews of the cellular telephone research studies presented in Chapter 5 and a discussion of human factors considerations for the design of cellular telephones that can influence the safety of their use from a moving vehicle.

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1.8 Definition of Terms

In discussing the potential for cellular telephone use to adversely influence driving behavior and performance, the terms "cognitive," "cognitive capture" and "emotional content" are used. Within the context of this report, these terms describe the nature and degree of attention distributed between the tasks of driving and conversing on the phone. The task of conversing is seen as potentially having a major cognitive (thought) component where attention is focused on conversation rather than driving. The extent to which this occurs can significantly influence situational awareness (e.g., of the actions of other vehicles, the presence of a stop sign, etc.).

Cognitive capture refers to the situation where the driver may be totally "lost in thought," a condition which, in particular, could impair situational awareness. Where emotional content (i.e., personal involvement) in a conversation is high, such as arguing with someone over the phone, the likelihood of cognitive capture is increased. Those instances that require some level of cognitive involvement leading to a loss of situational awareness are viewed as increasing the risk of a crash.

Throughout this report, the phrase "cellular telephone" is used to designate the wireless communications hardware of interest. However, as pointed out earlier, a new, competing technology has emerged that also incorporates a similar architecture (i.e., handset) and hence similar concerns for safe use while driving. These Personal Communications Services (PCS) devices share many, if not all the display, control, implementation and user issues that have been associated with cellular telephone use in vehicles.

Since all of the research and data reviewed in this report has focused on "cellular telephones," this phraseology has been adopted throughout this report to simplify the presentation of materials. However, the discussion of issues and recommendations provided in this report apply to all wireless communications systems and associated hardware that might be used by drivers of vehicles.

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Your Environment. Your Health.

National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS)

News Release

Archive - New Contact Information

For more information about this archival news release, please contact Robin Mackar(, News Director, Office of Communications & Public Liaison( at (919) 541-0073 or by email at
Wednesday, May 4, 2005, 12:00 p.m. EDT
Contact: Robin Mackar, NIEHS
(919) 541-0073

NTP Roadmap for the Future, Celebration of 25 Years

The National Toxicology Program (NTP) will present its new strategy "A Roadmap for the Future" -- A symposium to unveil research priorities and to celebrate more than 25 years of NTP scientific progress

Tuesday, May 10: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Wednesday, May 11: 9:00 a.m. - noon

The National Academy of Sciences
2100 C Street, NW
Washington, DC

Invited Speakers:
  • Dr. Elaine Faustman, Professor of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington School of Public Health and Community Medicine
  • Dr. Bernard D. Goldstein, Dean, University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health
  • Dr. Christopher Portier, Associate Director of the NTP, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, NIH
  • The Honorable Paul G. Rogers, Hogan & Hartson, L.L.P., former U.S. Congressman from Florida

With opening comments from
    Dr. Elias Zerhouni, NIH Director
    Dr. Lester M. Crawford, Acting Commissioner, FDA
    Dr. John Howard, Director, NIOSH

The NTP is at the forefront of developing and using new methods for testing toxicity to predict hazards to humans. A new refined strategy will guide the expansion of the NTP to meet emerging research needs, including examining the potential safety issues related to herbal medicines and supplements, cell phone radiofrequency transmissions, and nanoscale materials. The strategy will also provide a long-term vision that moves toxicology away from an animal-based enterprise, including developing non-mammalian models.

"A Roadmap for the Future" defines how NTP will integrate new methodologies with proven approaches to "test smarter."

For more than 25 years, the NTP, an interagency program within the Department of Health and Human Services, has made extraordinary progress in evaluating chemicals and other agents that may be toxic to human health and disseminating this information broadly to inform public health decision-making. For example, through its extensive testing program, the NTP has evaluated over 2500 agents. In addition, the NTP biannually issues the Report on Carcinogens, which in 2005 identified 246 cancer-causing agents, including for the first time viruses like Hepatitis B and C.

Members of the press interested in conducting interviews with any of the speakers, please contact Robin Mackar (919) 541-0073. Details about the meeting, including agenda, are posted on the NTP website ( ( Lunch will be provided on May 10 th to those who pre-register.

The National Academy of Sciences Building, located in the Foggy Bottom area of Washington, D.C., is served by Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA), Dulles International Airport(IAD) and Baltimore/Washington International Airport (BWI). It is accessible by Metro's Orange and Blue lines.

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text: Date: Thu, 07 Oct 2004 09:44:03 +0000 From: F M Subject: Now and Then - Chapter 3 ************** Disclaimer: If you are not yet 18 years of age or if it is illegal to read materials of this kind where you live, then please stop now. This story contains descriptions of sexual activity between male adults. The acts are consensual and are the result of their love for one another. All copy rights reserved. The author retains all rights. No reproductions or links to other sites are allowed without the author's consent. The author gives Nifty Archives permission to add to their site. **************** Thanks to all readers who took their time in writing back. Your comments and continuous request to complete the story had been a driving force. I do apologize for this inexcusable delay but things had been evolving fast that gave me no time to write. I would like to dedicate this chapter and the final coming chapters to the one and only S-----, for you are one hell of a great guy that I am honored to have come to know. ******************* Waking up is an unconscious ritual for me, just like going to sleep, being a light sleeper I imagine myself gently sinking in a dark blue ocean, silence surrounds me and the soothing feel of water takes me to dreamland, the same in waking up, it always had been a similar ritual but this time gently floating and submerging to the light. I slowly opened my eyes, bracing for the assault of light but none came, instead a gentle soft grey hue that was filtering through the closed curtains. Against my back I could feel the warmth that was emitting from the body of Terry, my lover, and I could feel the nudge of something else, it never failed to bring a smile to me when I wake up cuddled so close. I gently move trying not wake him and head to the bathroom, Mother Nature when she calls one must comply. Looking into the mirror I see my face, not bad, lines of age have crept but still I can say that I am acceptable, at least by Terry. I splash some water on my face and think about shaving but decide against that, not for now, well after all the shaving kit is back at the hotel and besides I have other important tasks to see to. I open the cabinet and there I find two new toothbrushes and tooth paste. A pack of disposable razors and shaving cream. Well trust Ahmed to equip his house with such things for unprepared guests staying over night, always the organizer. I brush my teeth and head back to bed. Hate the morning stale mouth taste and bad breath that comes along with it. Terry had moved in his sleep and he is lying on the other side of the bed, I gently get into the bed and hug him to me. I nuzzle my face in the back of his neck, inhale deeply filling my lungs with his scent. I let my hand move to his front and gently run on his chest, I tweak a nipple and hear a moan. My hand moves down his chest and belly and lay at rest in his pubes. I let my fingers play there a bit and move it downwards to hold his erect cock, the foreskin had retracted and the round head peeking out, glistening with moisture. I let my finger circle the head, a moan escapes from him and he presses himself into me. Already my cock is hard as a rock and pointing out like an arrow, I place it between his butt cheeks and continue to play with his cock. I nuzzle his neck and gently bite his ear lobe. I hear an in take of breath and a slight moan. Terry turns around and looks at me. He smiles and takes me into his arms. We share a bear hug and tightly press our bodies to each other. Our lips meet and join in a deep kiss with tongues entwining. We part only for a moment to smile into each others face and say good morning and quickly our lips join. I let my hands roam on his back feeling my way down to his ass cheeks. Cupping them and gently squeezing while he presses himself closer to me. In a quick move I pin him under me and climb over his massive body, our lips meet in another deep breath taking kiss, taking leave of his lips I kiss his cheeks and chin with small rapid kisses and move to his earlobe nip it with a playful bite, something he enjoys my doing to him, I kiss and lick the back of his eras, he moans again and again. My hands move of their own accord down to his chest, playing with both nipples, caressing with the tips with my fingers, I kiss his collarbone and move my mouth to suck on one nipple, playfully running my tongue over its tip, I gently bite one while my other hand still running on the tip of his other nipple. Terry moans and his body moves underneath me, my grip is strong and continue to keep him pinned under me, moving my mouth to his other nipple I suck and nib at it eliciting more moans. I take my leave and slide down his body kissing the hollow between his breast and down licking and kissing his navel and abdomen. I take his erect cock in my hand and gently move up and down its length, running the tip of my fingers on its head. It is hard as rock, I take the head in my mouth and run my tongue on its tip and teasing it. I open my mouth in one sudden movement and take half of his length; a deep loud moan escapes Terry from the unexpected move. I tighten my lips and try to take it deeper all the while my tongue is playfully caressing its length. This drives Terry wild his fingers digging deeply in my hair. I hear him say "Please .. Please" I know what he means and am I ready for him. I take leave of his cock and move further down, taking each ball at a time sucking, they retract into their sack, I feel him coming close. I move further down parting his legs where I plant butterfly kisses on the inside of his thighs and then move to the ridge between his balls and hole, I lick and kiss for a while and take my leave to his waiting hole, with trembling fingers I open his hole a bit and blow gently this makes his hole quiver and I let my tongue slither in, my tongue like a snake lick his insides, Terry tastes good, always clean. I tease him about this telling him that he is so horny that he keeps himself always prepared for emergency fucks. I wet a finger and gently insert into his hole, his ass lips tighten on my finger from my invasion. I gently move it, his muscles relax and my finger goes in deeper , I add another finger and his ass muscles open up and my fingers move freely in and out. Terry's moans become more intense and he keeps on repeating "Please...Please... Now". All, this while my free hand roaming his chest and playing with his nipples. I pull back and I look into his eyes, they are glazed with lust, unseeing. I pull his legs up and he lifts them over my shoulder, my cock is rock hard and aching for release too. I move closer and direct the head of my cock at his opening and push gently. A gasp escapes his lips. I move in just the head and stay like that for a few minutes giving him time to adjust to my invasion. I feel his muscles relax and push a bit further; I rest again and then move gently in and out. Terry suddenly opens up and the full length of my cock is buried deep in side him. He had thrown his head back, taking deep breaths. I wait for a few seconds, giving him time to adjust and then I start moving in and out, gently at first. Terry also moves his ass trying to catch the rhythm, in a short while I am moving in out of him in long strokes, I pull nearly out and then in again, my movements start catching up speed. My thrusts get stronger and faster, I burry myself deep in him, feeling my balls touching his ass and pull back again and move in again, each time the thrust is stronger and faster, his body heat engulfing my cock is unbearable driving me crazy with lust. His insides are so hot that I feel as it I am in the middle of a bonfire. I lean forward buried deep inside him and we kiss, long deep tongues joining. Our breath come faster and both are moaning now, we must be heard in the whole neighborhood. I tell Terry that I can't hold any longer. He screams "Yes ..Oh, Oh, Yes... cum now" I let go of any restrains and feel cum traveling in my balls to my cock, and in one last strong thrust I burry myself deep inside him wishing I could go deeper. My moans are louder now and only matched by Terry. In one shudder that over takes my body I come deep inside him while his cock twitches and his cum gushes out of him, it hits his face and chest. I continue to shiver and thrust harder as I am still hard like a rock, I can my feel cum coming out of his hole with each movement. I collapse on his chest, trying to catch my breath, Terry's arms go around me, holding me tight, while both try to catch our breath, me still buried inside him and twitching and his legs tightly around me keeping in place. I don't know how long but finally our breath gets back to normal and I slip out of him, his legs relax their hold on me and I collapse on my back next to him, I slowly turn around and look into his face. I smile without being able to utter a word. He smiles too and rolls over me. I lick his cum from his face. I love his taste and kiss him making him taste his own cum. We part and look into each others eyes, a laugh escapes both our lips and the only words that I can utter were "OOOHHHHH ... that was something" He hugs me to him and kisses my face and then rest his head on my chest. In this position we both doze off. *********************** I entered the kitchen, started the coffee and headed to the first floor to take a shower, on the way I took off my running shoes and sweaty T-Shirt. I hadn't slept well last night. Tossing and turning. Visited by bad dreams; leaving me covered with sweat despite the air conditioning. The last time I looked at the alarm clock by the bed it was five thirty and I guess it was the last time I fell into sleep. The next time I woke up it was seven. I had pulled the bed sheets and flung them away and jumped into a pair of shorts and T-Shirt. I put on my running shoes, left the house and headed to the beach. It was already hot and I can imagine it is going to be another hot day. I ran on the beach trying to relax my body and relieve it of the tension of last night's dreams. I ran and ran trying to push the demons away but to no avail. I stood under the shower and thoughts of Ali and Terry came to mind, I can imagine them now cuddled together. What would they think of me if they knew? How would Ali react? I leaned against the shower tiles. I can still feel the taste of his lips. I miss him terribly; last night was the first time we meet in three weeks. His business forces him to be half of the month way. Even so far I am excited, longing to hold him close, feel his skin against mine. It's been a while since we got together. I let my hand wonder down to hold my erect cock; I move my hand up and down its length. My other hand moves across my chest and play with my nipples. Imagining it is his hands not mine moving all over my body. I can feel his body pressed to mine, My hands moving all over his chest. I run my fingers into the carpet of hair that covers his chest. I feel his cock pressed hard against me. This sends shivers through my body. I imagine my hand going down to hold it in my palm; I squeeze it and feel it pulse. The heat emitting from it is like burning fire, burning my palm. I turn around and press myself against the tiles. His hands roam my back and rest on my ass. I feel him press a finger against my hole. I press back and his finger enters my hole, making small circular movements. I don't need to be readied for I am already ready for him. His finger exists and only for a brief moment I feel the emptiness it leaves behind as the head of his cock touches my opening. I press against it and feel it slide in. He presses all the way in. I take a deep breath and relax my muscles. Feeling his hot rod deeply embedded in me. A burning sensation fills my insides. No matter how many times we had fucked he never fails to bring out such sensations even now in my fantasy. He moves against me and his cock slides in and out. His movements go faster and faster, I am on the edge, getting closer, I continue to imagine him filling me and pounding me with his cock. A moan escapes me as I reach the point of no return, my cum hitting the shower curtain and spilling in the tub. My legs go weak and I press myself against the tiles for support... damn now I have to clean up. I finish my shower and clean the bath tub. Wrapping a towel around my waist, barefoot I head back to the kitchen. I find Ali in his under ware filling a mug with coffee. He turns around and says good morning. I feel a bit embarrassed being naked and with only a towel around my waist. I blush. He laughs and gives me a wink. He turns around and reaches for another mug and starts filling it for me too and hands it to me. He touches my cheek with his free hand "My, My we do blush. Come on this is not the first time I see you like that, but have to admit that you have toned up from the last time I saw you" "Well, I have been trying to take care of myself; after all we are not getting any younger" "I guess you have many sheiks chasing you? " "No, no sheiks, what do you think you slut; the sheiks have nothing better to do than chase old guys like me, they have their own harems of smooth cute young boys to keep them entertained; Terry still asleep?" "No I woke him up as I was leaving the room, I guess by now he is finishing his shower" `You really do love him, don't you?" "Yes, more than I imagined that I would" "You sure he loves you and treats you well?" "Why are you asking, of course other wise I would not have brought him to meet you, jealous!" "No, no. I wish you both be happy" "Ahmad; what's wrong, you look so concerned what's on your mind" "Nothing ... nothing, was just wondering that is all." At that moment Terry walks over to us carrying a mug in one hand and the coffee pot in the other. "Good morning gentlemen" he says this as he leans down to kiss Ali. As Terry turns around to take his seat Ali playfully swats his butt. "Ok, what are your plans for today?" I ask "Well, we thought of going back to the hotel, change our cloths and go down town for some site seeing which we hadn't had the chance to do yet" "May I suggest something, I will take you to the hotel and you go collect your stuff and check-out, we return here drop everything. I can give you a lift and you return here whenever you finish. I have an appointment to meet someone and will be back I guess by four" "Sounds good, what do you say Terry? We can go around the city and then return here by noon and rest and plan the rest of the day?" "As you both wish but Ahmed we don't want to impose on you. I still feel it would be better to stay in the hotel. We will be in the way" "Enough said, Terry, the answer is no. I will not accept that. You both are staying here with me until you get settled and that is final no more discussions" **************************** We all finish our coffee and get dressed. I pull my car out of the garage and we all head to the hotel. As they go up to their room I take advantage and make a call. "Hello" "Good morning love" "Good morning to you too, I miss you" `Me too" "Why don't you come over, I am at home and have no plans for the day" "I am glad to hear that. I am now at the hotel with Ali and Terry, they are checking out and then we are all heading back to my place to drop their stuff their and after that taking them to the city" `So you are busy" "No, no. I will only drive them there. I already told them that I have an appointment until four and will meet them later at my place. I already had given Ali a set of keys so that they can feel free" "That's great; then you are coming over?" "Yes, do you think I wouldn't? I missed you so much. I wish we can always be together" "Yes. Me too. Do you think you can make it within the hour?" "I guess so. If no traffic, less than that" "Ok Then I will see you in an hour" "Bye, I love you" "Bye" *********************** "I Love You. Are we in love?" I heard Ali behind me. I jumped startled. "What?" "I heard that, don't deny it, Ahmed! Who is the lucky guy?" he looked at me with amused smile and arched brows. I did not know what to say. I wanted to tell him everything but the stakes of losing him forever are high. I have been lying to him all this time while he had been very honest with me. What am I supposed to say!! "No one; just a guy I had come to know. Nothing special about him" "You can say that but your face and eyes say something else. Anyway, I will not interfere you are free to tell me or not" hurt and disappointment was clear in his tone despite the smile. No more was said as Terry approached and their luggage was being carried over to the waiting car. We headed to the house and they took their suitcases to their room. I dropped them as close to the city center as possible. I was in a hurry to leave them. *********************** "Terry, isn't Ahmed acting a bit strange?" "A bit, well that is what I call an understatement" "What do you mean?" "I mean he started acting like that after you mentioned what happened to you. When I left you and entered the kitchen last night I saw him leaning against the sink and looked pale. His hands were shaking a bit. I thought at the time it might be what you had told us, but that isn't the reason why. Maybe it has something to do with it I don't know" "What makes you say that?" "After you went to sleep. I got out of bed and was about to open the curtains when I noticed Ahmed opening the gate and there was a new Mercedes there. A man came out of it and Ahmed hugged the guy. Later they headed to the beach and he seemed to be talking to the guy and waving his hand in the direction of the house and later they parted but not before sharing a kiss" "So Ahmed is meeting his secret lover? That doesn't make it strange, does it? But I guess you are right, at the hotel he was on the phone and telling someone at the other end "I Love You" when I said who that is? He jumped. Seeing me he went pale" "Are you sure of Ahmed?" "Yes, " "I don't know love? But something inside tells me it is not all Ok" I looked at Terry; he looked deeply concerned and worried. I wondered if contacting Ahmed was the right thing to do. It was the right thing to do. Ahmad will never hurt me or lie to me. I will never believe that. We come a long way. "Terry; lets forget about Ahmed now. Let's enjoy the place. Later I will try to talk to him and see what is wrong that if there is anything wrong". I let the subject go at that and we continued our walk. *************************** The automatic garage door opened immediately as I reached the house. I drove my car and parked it next to his car. The garage can easily take four cars parked next to each other. I got out of the car, knowing my way; I almost ran into the house and immediately headed to the living room where I knew he will be waiting. He was sitting on the side of the couch opposite the TV it was turned to CNN. He looked at me smiling. "You did rush. It didn't take you long to come" "Aren't you glad I did? I was lucky, almost no traffic" "Oh, yes, Friday prayer. You know I am. Come here and give me a hug." I move into his open arms and make sure I avoid his injured leg. His arms surround me and press me to him. The sensation is overwhelming. For years now we had been lovers and still I feel all my restrains vanish when I am in his arms. I press myself to him and burry my head in the hollow of his neck. Feeling his body heat through his shirt, his musk is manly and intoxicating. I feel the brush of his lips on top of my head and all my fears vanish into thin air. I raise my head and look into his eyes, hazel with traces of green radiating a feeling of self confidence and yet great gentleness, a mixture I found as very reassuring and intimidating at times. I slowly move my face closer and with quivering lips I touch his; lightly kissing his lips. Once, twice, three times. I press my lips to his in a deeper kiss and his mouth opens and my tongue slides in, tasting him. I slide my body into a more comfortable position and let my hands move on over his chest. My fingers move to open the first button of his shirt and the second. I slide my face down to kiss the hollow of his neck. More buttons are opened; I part his shirt to reveal his hair matted chest. I run my hands on his chest feeling the hairs. I nuzzle my face in his chest. My hands go slide to touch his breast, I squeeze them and let my fingers tease his nipples. I move my mouth and suck on one enjoying the gasp that escapes his lips. I let my tongue play with its tip in circular motions while my free hand plays with his other nipple squeezing. I switch giving it the same treatment. I can feel him very aroused; the bulge in his trousers must be getting very uncomfortable. I slide one hand down to touch his bulge through the fabric of his trousers, I squeeze a little. "Stop what you are doing or you will ruin your prize" he laughs. His tone betrays his arousal. I reach for his belt and unbuckle it and my fingers move of their own accord to slide down his fly. I slid my hand into the opening feeling his rock hard cock through his pants, I continue to squeeze and play teasingly with it. I can see a wet sport forming there. "Enough, my love lets go to bedroom and get more comfortable" "Yes; let's go. I can't wait anymore. I need you badly" I pull my self up and extend a hand to help him stand. His bad leg always gave him trouble after being seated for a long time. We stand there and hug and kiss for a while and then head to the bedroom. His house is a one floor house. He modified it to meet his needs. We walk along the corridor and reach his bedroom. The house is smaller than mine with only two bedrooms. He is more a recluse than an out-going person. Only a handful of people are occasionally invited to his home. All social activities are conducted away from it. We enter the bedroom and head towards the bed. The curtains are open and the only view is the Gulf. He sits on the edge of the bed. I kneel in front of him and take him in my arms. We kiss for a few minutes. I lean back and look him in the eyes. They are filled with love and desire. I move to his belt and unbuckle it and then open the top button of his trousers. I run my hands along the bulge. His cock is hard. I unzip his fly and he lifts himself his arms supporting his body. I pull his trousers and along with his pants His cock smacks against his stomach. He leans back on his haunches and with that his cock stands straight and proud, I continue to remove his trousers gently as not cause him any discomfort. I then proceed to unbuckle the straps holding his artificial leg in place. Gently I remove the limb and kiss the stump. The injury he had, forced the doctors to remove it from the knee, leaving him with just one third of his thigh. I take his trousers and neatly fold them on the back of a chair by the window; I return and pick up his shirt which I had shed while kissing and place it on top of his trousers, before I head back I remove my shirt and the rest of my cloths and drop them on top of his. I move towards, he had pulled himself on the bed. I climb on the bed and place my arms on each side of his arms, immobilizing him in his place. I lean into him and place my lips against his and immediately we are engaged in passionate kissing, I press my lips harder against his. Feeling his teeth against mine. I take leave of his mouth and start kissing his chest, and move towards his breast. I part the hairs surrounding his nipple and start playfully running my tongue over its tip and then suck on it. I suck like a child feeding from his mothers nipples. His nipple get had and erect like a small cock. I move to the other one and do the same. His hand running in my hair and pulling my head closer crushing my nose into his chest. I leave his nipple and move my head downwards. Kissing his navel and enjoying the feel of his fine carpet of hair that covers his entire chest. He is hairy from neck down to his toes. A few hairs at times show from his shirt collar. I travel down his body and bury my face in his groin, his cock is like a rock and standing hot touching my cheek as I kiss and lick his pubes. I finally take it in my hand and gently run up and down its length. I kiss and lick its base and slowly move upwards to its head. His body moves under me. I can hear his groans of pleasure. I move and turn without breaking the connection with his cock. I place my legs on each side of his head. He takes my cock in his hands and his tongue licks it length. Suddenly my cock is surrounded by moist and hot lips. He licks and sucks and with each movement he takes more of me into his mouth. We move in small movements until we are both positioned in a perfect position both out mouths filled with each others cock. We continue to suck and I feel a finger moving in circles around my hole. My hole relaxes and his finger moves into me, bit by bit the finger goes deeper and finally I can feel two. I pull myself from his cock and position my legs around his groin, taking his cock into my hand and guiding it to my hole. I want him bad. His cock is lubed and slick with my saliva. I move back wards and the head of his cock presses in. I rest for a minute to adjust, the head is in. I want it all and in one move I take half of it, the pain from the sudden entry is only momentarily and I relax my muscles. I am used to him but two weeks is a long time. I take the rest and feel the hairs of his pubes against my ass. I remain motionless and relish the feel on him in me. I support my self on his chest and let my hands reach for each of his nipples. As I move up and down his length my fingers play with his nipples and squeeze then drawing moans. His face is tense and sweaty from his attempts to control himself as I ride his weapon. I move faster, lifting myself until only the head is in and then move down. My movements gain speed and both are now panting and moaning. Both want this to last and trying to hold ourselves. I can't hold it any longer and let go. My cum fly in the air only to hit headboard, his face and lips, the last spurts falling on his chest making pools of cum. I feel him shudder and his groan is high pitched. I feel him shooting his cum inside me, filling me and drenching my insides. The sounds of wet movement can be heard. His cock continues to twitch and move in and out of my hole and I can feel his cum running out of my ass. I lay flat on his body which is still entrapped between my legs. His arms are loosely around me and my face buried in his neck, we both are panting and trying to regain our breath. Minutes pass by and after a while I can feel the chill. I lift myself and pull the covers. I lay there in his arms. We are both silent and can hear only the hum of the air conditioning unit. We slept like that both holding each other. "Ahmed .. Ahmed .. wake cup" I heard him say, I opened my eyes to find him standing there fully dressed and can see from his wet hair that he even taken showered. I turn around on my back and look up at him, he is a site, whether dressed or undressed. I smile and throw away the covers, I go to him hug him to myself and kiss his lips. He says nothing but smiles yet underneath his smile there lurks seriousness. I head to the bathroom and turn on the shower. I finish as quickly as possible and get dressed without drying my hair. I find him in the living room standing by the window and a cup of fresh coffee. The smell fills the room. I am a tea man so I head to the kitchen and prepare one, dropping the tea bag in a mug and using the remains of the boiled water he had used. I head back and find him still standing there staring out of the window, he turns and I see a serious look on his face. No smile. "Ahmed , we need to talk" "About what?" "Ali! You ... me!" "What about Ali?" "I think it is time for us to meet" "What?" "You heard me." "But .." "No, buts.. He needs to know. It is only right to have everything out. It would be for your own good too" "My own good!, you must be crazy. Ali will hate me." "Why?" "Because I lied to him, I kept your identity from him; because I never told him the full story. That is why?" "That is a chance you have to take. Remember I told long time ago to try to communicate with him and tell the truth but you refused. Is it important for you that he should not hate you or is it important for you to tell him the truth and put him out of his misery?" "I can't?" "Yes, you can and you must. He deserves that from you. You will have to take the risk of losing him forever or might even win him forever" I stared at him not believing what he just said. Yes, he asked me to tell Ali the truth but I refused. I couldn't do that. I would have lost him, I would have lost both. I can't justify for Ali that I had kept all this to myself. The truth is that all these years I had kept the knowledge to me was for the fear that I might have lost both. I am sure they both loved each other without hinting that this was the fact. I can't afford to lose both, not now. "No I can't. There is no way that I could face Ali" "Yes there is. I will tell him" "Oh, no you don't" "Yes and tonight" "No .. No and No" He looked at me with blazing eyes. Shivers ran down my spine. In all the years we had been together I only saw him like that once. Only once and that was enough. "Tonight we shall all have diner at your house. Tell them that you are a having a guest you want them to meet. I will come over. I will tell Ali it was me who had prevented you from telling the truth" With unbelieving eyes I looked at him. What is he hinting at? "Why are you doing this? Tell me. Why the sudden necessity that all must be revealed and tonight out of all nights." "Because you of all people must put your heart at rest. You fool. Do you think that I am such an idiot and insensitive that I wouldn't know that you love Ali more than anything in the world." "I love you" I screamed. "Yes, you do but you love him more" "No.." "Stop denying it... when you came back there you screamed his name. Damn you. Stop fooling yourself" "No I didn't" "Yes you did. Over and over. Admit that you love him" `No, I don't" "Yes you do. Damn it. Don't lie to me. You do and you know it" "Yes, Yes I do love him, but.." The tea cup fell from my hands and it shattered on the floor, the silence that followed was so thick you could actually cut through it with a knife. He had turned his back to me and I stood there tearful and dumbfounded unable to utter a word. He turned around again and with a calm voice "It must be tonight, Ahmed. I ask you to agree. Have I asked you before for anything?" "No" "Then do me this favor" "Favor, this is not a favor. This is more like asking me to put an end to my life" "No, I promise you that it will be a new beginning" "How could it be. I already know that I have lost you. This is not a nice new beginning" "Trust me. It will be and for your own good" "I don't know.." "Go home now Ahmed, rest and I will be there at Seven" He walked up to me and cupped my head in his hands. His smile was back but a sad one. He kissed my lips and turned me around and guided me to the door. I moved like a zombie. I had no control just walking towards the door. How I got home I do not know but suddenly I was there turning the key and entering the house. ************************* I informed Ali and Terry that I am expecting a guest and that I wanted them both to meet. I felt tiered and excused myself and headed to my bedroom. Ali followed. "Ahmad, anything wrong? You look so pale!" "No it must be the heat" "Alright, go and rest. Try to sleep and I will wake you up in an hour" I looked at him and thought to myself yes I do love him with all my heart and sole, but will he ever know? "Thanks Ali, I appreciate that" "Is there anything you want me and Terry to prepare or do before your guest arrives?" "No ... Nothing just feel at home and enjoy yourselves" with that I left him and entered my room feeling that I have lost everything. ************************ It was seven and we were all at the patio. The sun was setting and the evening was showing signs of cooling down a bit. Ali and Terry were sitting with their backs to the living room, deep in conversation and planning their life. I saw the car stopping at the gate and without a word I left them and headed to the gate and let him in. We both walked to them. Seeing us coming they both stood up and turned around to greet my guest. I fell a step behind and let him proceed ahead of me. Terry stood there smiling and about to extend his hand but Ali just stood there, his mouth quivering and eyes open wide with all the horror of the world written on his face that had turned into ash color. It is an expression you see in horror movies only when confronted by a demon or a ghost. You can only hear the faint words he was repeating "No, no ... it can't be. Impossible ..." ************************** To be continued.... Only constructive comments are welcome, do not bother if you want to point out spelling or grammatical errors.