Should drivers be required to used hands free phones? (insurance, house)

[arjay57]

I have seen studies that claim going hands free doesn't add to driver safety but my personal experience is that it does.

What do you think?

A state House of Representatives committee studying distracted driving held its last meeting Monday and will soon begin crafting recommendations on how to combat the problem.

One likely solution: Requiring drivers to use hands-free phone devices in their cars. Current Georgia law already prohibits anyone under 18 with a learner’s permit from using wireless devices while driving. It also prohibits adults from texting while driving.

But police officers say it’s hard to enforce the law. Is that driver texting or merely dialing their phone? It’s hard for officers to tell. A solicitor, a judge and several sheriff’s deputies told the House committee Monday that prohibiting any hand-held use of electronics would make the law easier to enforce and make Georgia roads safer.

More....Should Georgia require drivers to use hands-free phone technology? Take our poll | Spinning our Wheels

[Born 2 Roll]

I think that drivers should use hands-free phones.

But I do not think that drivers should be required by law to use hands-free phones.

Originally Posted by arjay57

I have seen studies that claim going hands free doesn't add to driver safety but my personal experience is that it does.

I've seen reports that say the hands-free phone apparatuses may not necessarily improve safety as much as many might think because it is not just necessarily holding the phone while driving that is distracting but just simply the conversation that one may be having on the phone while one should be focused on driving.

Though, personally I think that the use of hands-free phone apparatuses can help improve safety because they can help drivers to keep their hands on the wheel while driving, even if the conversation they may be having on the phone may take a motorist's full focus away from driving.

[lorilove]

Drivers are distracted by more than cell phones. I believe eating while driving is equally as dangerous. Some of the laws in other states actually ban multiple reasons for distracted driving.

Do I think this is a issue - yes. Do I think legislation will resolve the issue - no. I think you spend a lot of resources enforcing and get a false sense of security.

I am all for increased fines for accidents where the driver was distracted - kind of like the Super Speeder fines

[AtlantaMove]

Yes, by the driver's own integrity. Not by law. Instead, there should be more promotion around how to use the phone hands free. Maybe the police and insurance companies could give away those car mounts at different events and produce videos on hands-free use.

The majority of the time that I spend in a vehicle I spend alone. If the drive is expected to be over ten minutes, the phone is connected to the vehicle speakers (old truck) and mounted in the holder. Whenever possible, I'm using Google Assistant if the phone is needed. I don't know if it is any safer, but do know my limitations. I cannot hold my phone to my ear and drive safely. And I need to be an example for my teen daughter who is learning to drive.

[Calm Down ATL]

I've read a lot of studies on this subject, and the balance of the literature concludes that hands free devices do not making driving while talking safer. It is not the physical manipulation of the phone that causes the distraction, it is the cognitive activity that distracts the driver. And while having both hands on the steering wheel is preferable in a vacuum, the use of hands free devices creates an optimism bias whereby drivers fail to appreciate the associated cognitive distraction and engage in more conversation while driving thus increasing the danger.

[lorilove]

My new pet peeve with cell phones is not the actual talking while driving but the texting while at a red light.

There is nothing more frustrating then a light that lets a limited number of cars through and the car in front of you does not move and you know they are texting or whatever on their phone!

[cqholt]

But AV will solve everything

[arjay57]

Originally Posted by lorilove

My new pet peeve with cell phones is not the actual talking while driving but the texting while at a red light.

There is nothing more frustrating then a light that lets a limited number of cars through and the car in front of you does not move and you know they are texting or whatever on their phone!

Happens all the time, doesn't it? Grrr....

I don't know how many times I've seen people speeding down city streets, looking directly at their cell phones and only vaguely aware of their driving.

[arjay57]

Originally Posted by Calm Down ATL

I've read a lot of studies on this subject, and the balance of the literature concludes that hands free devices do not making driving while talking safer. It is not the physical manipulation of the phone that causes the distraction, it is the cognitive activity that distracts the driver. And while having both hands on the steering wheel is preferable in a vacuum, the use of hands free devices creates an optimism bias whereby drivers fail to appreciate the associated cognitive distraction and engage in more conversation while driving thus increasing the danger.

I have seen those studies, too.

For me personally, however, I do a lot better using a hands free system. I just don't feel capable of driving safely when I'm holding a phone in one hand and talking. To me it's much harder to keep your eyes on the road, turn your head, make turns and adjustments, and so forth.

[lorilove]

I will confess - this was many years ago. I was having a very hectic day and got into my car.

I am talking on my cell phone and sitting behind the drivers seat. I stop talking because I am confused in my mind as to how to start the car.

It was at that point I realize I am sitting there with the phone in one hand and my Starbucks coffee in the other and I have no free hands to drive with!

Geez - that was a wake up call to slow down and pay attention.