Can Hands-Free Devices Prevent Accidents?

Most people would agree that driving while distracted is a bad idea. They’d even agree that using a cell phone while driving is distracting and can cause serious Atlanta car accidents. Yet, seventeen percent of drivers admit to talking on a cell phone “often” or “very often” while driving. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that approximately 11 percent of all drivers on the road at any given time are using a cell phone! The government considers cell phone use while driving a serious public health risk. In 2008, 1.4 million crashes and 645,000 injuries were attributed to distracted driving caused by cell phone use. More than one in every four (more than 25%) motor vehicle crashes involve cell phone use at the time of the crash! Many states ban the use of handheld cell phones. Georgia only prohibits school bus drivers and young drivers under age 18 from cell phone use while driving. However, every state allows cell phone use if hands-free devices are used. Many people believe that hands-free devices prevent driver distraction because they allow the driver to keep their hands on the wheel and eyes on the road. A new study shows this may not be true. Drivers using cell phones experience three types of distraction:

Visual distraction takes a driver’s eyes off the road.
Manual distraction takes a driver’s hands off the wheel.
Cognitive distraction takes a driver’s mind away from driving.

Most people realize when they are visually or manually distracted. They try to get their hands back on the wheel as soon as possible after fumbling for the phone or glance back and forth from the screen to the windshield. But, many drivers do not realize when they are cognitively distracted. Being cognitively distracted prevents a driver from focusing attention on their surroundings and increases a driver’s reaction time when an unexpected event occurs. Hands-free devices prevent visual and manual distraction, but they cannot prevent cognitive distraction. If you or someone you love has been injured by a distracted driver, you have rights. Atlanta car accident attorney Shane Smith is dedicated to helping victims of Georgia car accidents to recover fair insurance compensation for their injuries, property damage, medical costs, and other losses. To learn more, contact Shane Smith Law to schedule a free consultation. If your car sustained any damage, be sure to download our free book, “Property Damage Guide for Georgia.”

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