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Hands Free Devices and the Safety of Drivers

In: Social Issues

Submitted By bewinder
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Hands-free devices and the safety of drivers The different ways that technology implements itself in the lives of drivers has a direct correlation with driver safety. One important aspect regarding safety is how our time is spent as drivers. The use of a cell phone while driving raises many concerns – as well as solutions for those concerns. Drivers are already presented with a multitude of distractions, whether they be physical, such as billboards, construction sites, and the fast food being handed to you as you leave the drive-thru, our own innocent thoughts like, “what’s for dinner?”, and audible distractions like the music on the radio, or the voice coming from your cell phone. Although cell phones and the technology associated with them can be a very valuable convenience to society, controversy remains as to whether this technology improves safety behind the wheel. One of the more obvious advantages when it comes to the debate over hands-free devices is that the technology frees up our body and allows for a quicker response in the event that you need to avoid a hazard in the road. When your safety and the safety of those around you depends on it, being tied down by your phone during a split second decision can significantly increase room for error. Although wearing something like a bluetooth headset might sound like a great idea, it may not translate to safer driving. Recent studies compared the the use of hands free devices with drunk drivers. It was found that drivers using hands free devices still exhibited slower response times compared to those not using a cell phone and in most cases, the two were equally dangerous. To gain a better perspective on the issue, let’s take a look at what goes on in the brain and some of the mental impacts of talking while driving. Some will argue that carrying on a conversation takes minimal, if any, real

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