As we mentioned on Monday, one study presented at the recent Lifesavers Conference held here in Orlando found that drivers using phones are four times more likely to get into a crash—regardless of whether the phone is hands-free or handheld. In a Consumer Reports article published on June 14, 2012, hands-free devices were one of four products to combat distracted driving evaluated by Liza Barth, a speaker at the Lifesavers Conference. Barth noted that while hands-free devices are designed to keep a driver’s hands on the wheel and his or her eyes on the road, the voice recognition does not always work so well.
“Speaking can cause cognitive distraction; your eyes are on the road, but your mind is elsewhere,” Barth wrote. “Initiating outgoing calls is distracting especially if the device doesn’t recognize your command.”
The article also considered software using GPS or Bluetooth to determine when a vehicle is in motion, devices that connect with vehicle onboard diagnostics and detection, jamming and monitoring sensors. While all of the products worked as they were supposed to, Barth ultimately concluded that “the best (and most affordable) way to prevent distracted driving is to use electronics sensibly … Do searches, set destinations, and send messages when you’re parked safely off the road and keep your full attention on the task at hand while driving,” Barth wrote.
It is important to remember that hands-free devices can be just as distracting as hand-held phones. If you or someone close to you has been seriously injured in an auto accident caused by a distracted driver, contact our firm today to see how our Orlando personal injury lawyers can help.
Wooten Kimbrough, P.A. – Orlando personal injury attorneys
