In Georgia, there is a movement against distracted driving. Many people are adapting to hands-free technology. This allows you to answer calls with your voice instead of using your hands. But does this technology actually improve driver safety?
The National Safety Council states that “hands free is not risk free.” In essence, removing the element of texting does not make phone use safer. Their statistics show that over 100 people die in crashes every day. Distracted drivers make up at least 9 of those deaths. They injure 1,000 more people, too. These statistics have not fluctuated with the advent of hands-free technology.
Even hands-free usage of devices infringes upon the requirements for safe driving. These three requirements are:
- Keep your hands on the wheel
- Keep your eyes on the road
- Keep your mind on driving
You may be able to keep your hands on the wheel with hands-free technology. However, you have no guarantee you can keep your mind and eyes on the road. People who take or make calls on hands-free phones are often distracted by the conversation.
Conversation can cut into your range of vision, too. Some studies show that drivers have a 50 percent reduction in their field of sight when focusing on other tasks. This is like blocking half of your rear view mirror and expecting to be able to see every danger as it approaches.
Though some proponents push the safety of hands-free devices, the official statistics speak to the contrary. Drivers may want to think twice before relying on the supposed safety of these items.
