Hands-free equally unsafe
Finnish law requires you to use a hands-free device when driving and talking on your mobile phone. Why? Cause it’s safer of course!! Err, maybe not - according to Forbes and the U.S. Insurance Institute for Highway Safety…
The study, which used cell phone billing records and interviews with crash victims to form the basis for its data, also found that generally, weather played a nearly non-existent role, and that there was no distinction between hands-free and hand-held cell phones.
“This isn’t intuitive. You’d think using a hands-free phone would be less distracting, so it wouldn’t increase crash risk as much as using a hand-held phone. But we found that either phone type increased the risk,” said Anne McCartt, IIHS Vice President for Research and an author of the study.
…in fact, I’d think that hands-free is even more dangerous. Plugging in those pesky things can be difficult, especially when behind the wheel - bluetooth devices don’t make it any easier. You could say, “Well plug it in before you get in the car”, but in reality, people aren’t going to do this.
So the state of Ohio are urging people not to use a phone at all in the car, but rather “Just Drive” - And how will they promote this new campaign? With distracting and potentially dangerous roadside billboards of course..!
Through its billboards positioned on Ohio roadways, 21st’s “Just Drive” campaign encourages drivers to avoid common distractions such as using portable electronic devices, eating or talking on a cell phone while driving.
“With distracting and potentially dangerous roadside billboards of course.”
What’s that ? Bare tits just before dangerous crossroad with Slogan
*Say NO to Hands free !* ?
Comment by Special K — Tue, Jul 26th, 2005 @ 10:37 am
I haven’t seen any comparative studies of accidents resulting from hands-free cellphone use versus talking with people riding with you.
It seems to me there is something about the concentration required to be on a phone that’s more distracting than talking with fellow passengers.
Comment by Finnpundit — Tue, Jul 26th, 2005 @ 5:13 pm
I dont know about you, but I feel lot safer knowing that my fellow drivers have both of theirs hands in the wheel (as opposed to one on their ear).
Comment by Justen — Tue, Jul 26th, 2005 @ 8:12 pm
I don’t know anyone who drives “correctly” both hands on the wheel (except perhaps my mum). I for one don’t.
Comment by Anonymous — Tue, Jul 26th, 2005 @ 9:13 pm
“Finnish law requires you to use a hands-free device”
To be accurate, Finnish law says: you can’t drive while using mobile phone and keeping it in your hand. This is the most funniest thing caused by the law. Look at this approved, official hands-free device. Does it look like “hands-free” to you?
http://www.pulju.net/shop/product_details.php?p=416
Of course those these kind of devices are mostly used by taxi drivers and other “professionals”. Obviously it isn’t more safe than holding the actual phone in your hand. With that device, you have an additional wire there too.
I would recommend this stylish “hands-free” device:
http://www.firebox.com/?dir=firebox&action=product&pid=1044
Comment by Eino-Kalevi — Wed, Aug 3rd, 2005 @ 3:25 pm