Originally Posted by blupupher
Originally Posted by CR94
Originally Posted by ZeeOSix
Originally Posted by AuthorEditor
Of course studies show that hands free doesn't stop the distraction factor. Just talking to someone in the car is distracting. Some studies indicate that talking on a hands free device is equivalent to driving drunk.
... I doubt they will ever outlaw ... using a hands free phone (which is essentially like talking to a passenger) while driving. ...
I read somewhere of a study which disproved that excuse. One main reason is that a passenger in the car will often have enough sense not to distract the driver at critical moments, whereas a caller won't know the traffic situation the driver is facing.
Yup, need to find it, but it showed talking to a physical passenger, while distracting, was not near a distracting as a phone call, hands free or not.
With phone calls, there is a slight delay, and takes more concentration to listen than a live person in car. Also, a passenger is aware of the current driving situation and will (or should) act appropriately to the situation.
Hands free =/= live passenger
Some people can't chew gum and drive at the same time. If they outlaw hands free phone use while driving then they should also outlaw built in navigation systems and stereo systems too, and passengers (including pets) who can't stop talking or doing other actions that might distract the driver. Make cars one passenger bare bones machines where there is nothing to do but drive it.