Use of hands-free technologies no safer than texting while driving

March 15, 2013 (Press-News.org) Over the last ten years, cell phones have become essential tools for people in nearly every walk of life. Although these devices allow people to stay in touch like never before, they have also led to the emergence of distracted driving as a significant threat on our nation's highways. Indeed, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 3,092 people were killed and an additional 419,000 were injured in motor vehicle accidents involving distracted drivers in 2010, the last year for which statistics are available. In all, distracted driving related car crashes accounted for approximately 18 percent of all motor vehicle accidents that year.

In part to address these issues, phone companies and auto manufacturers developed hands-free systems that allow users to compose and receive texts and emails, get driving directions and update social media sites without ever laying a hand on their cell phones. Initially, safety experts touted the use of these devices as a safer, more responsible alternative to simply using one's cell phone while behind the wheel. Recent studies indicate, however, that the use of these devices is, in fact, no safer than using a hand-held device.

Researchers at the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute recently published the findings of a study evaluating the performance of a group of drivers on a closed course. Half of the drivers in the study texted and composed emails while behind the wheel using their cell phones, while the remaining half used hands-free devices to perform the same tasks.

Predictably, those using their cell phones did poorly. As compared to their baseline driving performance, they took longer glances away from the roadway and made more steering errors. More surprising, however, was that those using hands-free devices also performed poorly. The act of composing a text or email - even a message as short as, "I'm stuck in traffic" - required enough cognitive energy to distract the driver significantly from what he was doing.

Unfortunately, it does not appear that hands-free technologies are likely to solve the distracted driving problem. In fact, it seems as if these new devices will only make things worse.

A personal injury attorney can help

If you or someone you love has suffered a serious injury in a motor vehicle crash due to the negligence of a distracted driver, contact an experienced personal injury attorney. A knowledgeable personal injury lawyer can assess your case and help you get the fair and adequate compensation for medical bills, lost wages and pain and suffering you deserve. For more information about what a personal injury attorney can do for you, contact a lawyer today.

Article provided by GoldenbergLaw, PLLC
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