Georgia drivers share the road with all types of people. Unfortunately, you cannot tell if these are safe drivers. You do not know if they face distractions. You cannot tell if they have had enough rest. You do not know if they are relying on hands-free technology.
Today we will look at hands-free tech. We will determine if it offers as much support as manufacturers and companies say.
Two out of three primary distractions dealt with
The National Safety Council campaigns against the use of hands-free devices within vehicles. According to them, hands-free devices do not improve driver safety all that much. This is because they target only two of the three primary areas of distraction. They address physical and visual distractions. A visual distraction is anything that takes your eyes off the road. Physical distractions take your hands off the wheel. As the name implies, hands-free tech does a great job at keeping your hands on the wheel. Voice commands and speaker systems also allows you to keep your eyes on the road.
Hands-free tech and cognitive distractions
Unfortunately, they do not address cognitive distractions. These are mental distractions. Anything that takes your mind off of driving is a mental distraction. This includes:
- Changing the radio station
- Adjusting the temperature
- Conversing with passengers
- Operating hands-free devices
- Listening to directions
- Thinking about what you will do when you reach your destination
Cognitive distractions are among the riskiest. They are also the hardest to contain. Because of this, hands-free tech cannot promise to keep drivers safe. In fact, it often contributes to distractions. In a way, this may increase driver risk more than it helps them.
