Preliminary research developing a theory of cell phone distraction and social relationships.

•We conducted a national survey with teen and adult drivers about who they talk or text on their cell phone while driving.•Teen drivers are more likely to talk with their parents and adult drivers are more likely to talk with their spouse when compared to general cell phone calling patterns.•Drivers receive the most texts and calls from people they are socially close to while driving.•Additional research is needed to determine if driver cell phone call patterns are influenced more by social distance or purpose, such as coordination.