Hands Free is not Risk Free

Question: Do you use a mobile phone or hands free headset while driving?

Be honest.

Stunning news

A new study sponsored by the American Automobile Association (AAA) found that drivers who use voice activated and hands free features to send texts, make phone calls, change radio stations or post on social media had a slower reaction time and higher level of distraction than those drivers who did not. This is a massive blow as it confirms what most people think: hands free is not risk free.

The mind can’t multitask

Although voice activated systems and hands free devices were designed to allow drivers to keep their hands on the steering wheel and eyes on the road, our brains cant multitask. According to the study, the area of the brain which processes moving images falls by 30% when talking on the phone. This means that drivers are more focused on the phone and a lot less on their surroundings, which can lead to more accidents.

Image Credit: The Telegraph UK

Meanwhile… in Sri Lanka

Lets be honest: we’re at fault too. Whether it is to make a quick phone call home, texting the better half during rush hour, calling the kids so you can pick them up from tuition, ringing ahead to book a takeaway or even taking a picture of some hilarious Tuk Tuk Wisdom to upload onto Facebook. Its illegal and can cost you a major fine, or worse. The point is,  just because you have ways to multitask while driving, it doesn’t mean you should.

What do you think?

Do you feel that mobile phones/hands free headsets are a big reason for road accidents? Let us know in the comments!

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Source: AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety: Measuring Cognitive Distraction-Part II