Hands Free Cell Phone Use Shown to Disorient Drivers

Racing down the road track at 65m/hr, holding a flashy mobile phone to their ears, gripping the steering wheel with one hand and talking aimlessly – people just love doing this, don’t they? And why not, they have learned all this from Hollywood where actors are shown gossiping and making life deals over the phone while driving…

A couple of years back, talking on hand-held mobile phones while driving was banned in the UK. However, using hands free devices and speakers was not considered much of a problem. WRONG! The recent research reveals that limiting the use of hands while driving is not the only reason why using mobile phones during driving should be prohibited. But the research clearly states that mobile phones, whether hand possessed or hands free, can divert the attention of the driver and maximize the chances of accidents.

Other then the driving aspect, the research also disclosed the grave effects of mobile phone usage in terms of increasing cancer along with brain diseases such as Alzheimer's. Many European countries have already banned the use of mobile headsets while driving, and now they are further planning to forbid the use of hands free cell phones as well since current research shows that even hands free phones can disorient the drivers and enhance the risk of accidents.

The notion that hands free phones hamper a person’s driving ability is still unclear. But many researchers claim that since the person on the phone is not physically present, the mobile holder starts envisioning their presence which disturbs their concentration on driving.

The findings also compare mobile phones usage to direct car conversations. The outcome of these regular conversations showed no distracting effects, therefore demonstrating that conversation itself does not hinder the individual’s driving ability but it’s the cell phone activity that is focus-diverting and dangerous.

Mobile headsets or hands-free mobiles, both are equally responsible for distracting an individual’s attention and thereby making the roads unsafe for both the driver and the pedestrians.