Maryland residents are trying to be safer drivers. In the modern world, this means employing hands-free technology. But while this technology claims to improve driver safety, how much good does it do? Today we will take a look at the answer to that question.
According to the National Safety Council, hands-free devices do not improve safety. In fact, distracted driving crash statistics have not changed substantially over the years. Some speculate that hands-free devices do not help because they only address one area of distraction. A distracted driver often:
- Does not have their hands on the wheel
- Does not have their eyes on the road
- Is not thinking about driving
Hands-free devices often only address the first issue. They keep a driver’s hands on the wheel, but what about their eyes and mind? You cannot guarantee that a driver will not glance at their phone even if it has voice command.
Mental distraction is also a huge component of distracted driving. Drivers engaging in conversation miss up to 50 percent of the scenery they pass. This is like driving with one eye covered. It is also a contributor to many of the crashes distracted drivers get into. Studies like this sow understandable concern among proponents of safe driving.
Hands-free technology may still have a place in your car. But it is important for drivers to understand that these devices are not perfect. In many cases, they will not make significant improvements to your safe driving. By understanding this, drivers can work toward fixing their own behaviors instead of relying on these devices.