Hands-Free Phones Dangerous While Driving

June 2009

Most people are aware that using a cell phone while driving is dangerous. New studies from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety have revealed something that many motorists may find surprising – hands-free devices can be just as hazardous as hand-held phones.

The research found that two-thirds of Americans hold the misconception that it's safer to talk on a hands-free cell phone than on a hand-held one. However, University of Utah researchers reported that the danger lies in the mental distraction of talking on a phone, not necessarily just the physical distraction of holding the device. This can lead to slower reaction times and general driver inattention even if a hands-free device is used.

Additionally, although 80 percent of people say that using a phone while driving is an "unacceptable risk," half of those surveyed admitted to talking on the phone while driving. Also, 50 percent of drivers ages 18-24 surveyed reported texting and driving simultaneously, while 25 percent of drivers ages 25-34 and only five percent of motorists over the age of 45 said they engage in the practice.