Hands-Free VS Handhelds
The University of Utah has recently concluded a study on the use of hands-free devices behind the wheel. And the results were surprising, stating that a driver taking conversation through a hands-free phone is much likely to be distracted from driving than in case of a conversation with a person in the passenger's seat.
The National Safety Council has stepped in with the initiative to ban cell phone conversations while being behind the wheel altogether in all 50 states.
"Having both of your hands on the wheel doesn't mean anything when driving, because it's your head that is in the call," states Janet Froetscher, President of the National Safety Council.
Professor David Strayer who was responsible for the University of Utah study states that having a person in the passenger seat can even improve the driver's attention over the road situation, as the person can suggest and spot on-coming hazards when the driver is distracted.
With the number of cell phone users increasing each year, so do the numbers of accidents caused by the employment of both handheld and hands-free devices. One source states that about 2,600 car accident deaths are caused by the use of cell phones each year.
Some researchers state that using a cell phone while driving (no matter whether handheld or hands-free version) raises the chance of having an accidents by four times compared to not using a phone at all.
If these arguments don't weight in, consider the financial factor. Some states have already banned the use of cell phone behind the wheel and if you get caught using one you'll receive a ticket. And this means not only an immediate fine, but higher car insurance quotes for the next couple of years, because this will be included in your driver's record as a traffic violation.
So think well before picking up the phone when you drive.
