If you're trying to get ahead of the game by jabbering on your cell phone on the way to work, your efforts may actually be counterproductive.

On average, people drive 2mph slower when they talk on their cell phone, according to researchers from the University of Utah. Considering the proven risk of automobile accident talking on a cell phone creates, this reduction in speed is seemingly a good thing.

With specific regard to accident reduction, sure, it's definitely a good thing. As for getting you to work on time, however, it's doing you a major disservice. Researchers estimate that all that in-car chit-chat causes the typical morning commute to take 10 percent longer than it should. Not good if you were on the phone in the first place to tell your boss that you'll be there soon.