Hands-Free Calling – Is it Safer?
March 9, 2015
“Always use a . . . hands-free device or car system when you talk and drive, so you can keep your hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road.” This is one of “three tips for smart drivers” that a major cellular technology company boasts on its website. Advice like this is the result of a Sarasota Auto Injury at the mercy of a careless, cellular-using driver.
It is claims like these that lead the majority of Americans to mistakenly believe that hands-free calling is safer than handheld cellphone use behind the wheel. Several studies over the last decade have exposed the truth that cell phone manufacturers don’t want you to know: Talking on a headset or using voice-activated phone features while driving is just as dangerous as using a phone that you’re holding in your hand.
Sarasota Auto Injury: Hands-Free Calling
When you are driving, hands-free calling is no safer than picking up your phone and dialing. While many people think the issue with talking on the phone is that it takes your hands off the wheel and your eyes off the road, the most significant concern is actually the amount of brain power it takes to have a phone conversation. The research shows that:
- There is no significant difference between driving performance when using a handheld cell phone versus using a hands-free device.
- As stated by the National Safety Council, “Just like you can’t read a book and talk on the phone, you can’t safely operate a vehicle and talk on the phone.”
- Overall, more than 30 studies have found that hands-free calling is just as distracting for drivers as handheld cell phone use.
Why is talking behind the wheel dangerous? The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) points to two main concerns: (i) it degrades drivers’ overall driving performance, and (ii) it makes drivers more likely to miss audio and visual cues of a potential crash.
Is Talking on the Phone More Dangerous than Talking to a Passenger?
One point where researchers disagree is on whether talking on the phone is more dangerous than talking to a passenger. Some studies have found both activities to be equally risky, while others have found that it is safer to talk to a passenger in the vehicle. The NHTSA highlights two of the main considerations:
- With a passenger, there is a second person in the vehicle to monitor for audio and visual cues.
- However, when two or more teens are riding together, they have an increased chance of being involved in an accident.
Talking on the Phone May be as Dangerous as Drunk Driving
We all know the dangers of drunk driving. In fact, just hearing the words, you probably have a mental image of an awful collision in your mind. But consider this: Some studies have shown that talking on the phone is just as dangerous as being drunk behind the wheel. In fact, one of the leading university studies in this area found that “cell-phone drivers exhibited greater impairment than intoxicated drivers.” Sarasota Auto Injury Lawyers at Jodat Law Group can help!
Sarasota Per injury from a distracted driver? Call Jodat Law Group
If you have been injured or lost a loved one at the hands of a distracted driver, the attorneys at Jodat Law Group are here to help you fight for just compensation. The distracted driver deserves to be held responsible, and you deserve to be compensated for your losses. To schedule a free, no-obligation consultation, call our offices at (877) JODAT LAW or contact us online today.