Does hands-free tech really stop distracted driving crashes?

On Behalf of | Sep 23, 2020 | Motor Vehicle Accidents |

Connecticut drivers often traverse the road despite the dangers on them. The use of technology in vehicles is one of the aspects of driving that contribute to possible dangers. Related to that, hands-free technology serves as an attempt to curb the dangers here. 

But does this tech actually work? Can using hands-free tech protect you and other drivers when you use handheld devices? 

What purpose does hands-free tech serve?

According to the National Safety Council, hands-free tech is not foolproof. They state it cannot protect you from all distracted driving dangers. In fact, it may contribute to a false sense of security which can contribute to crashes in the end. 

The point of hands-free devices is to cut down on the distractions drivers face. The suggestion of keeping all electronic devices out of the car does not work for everyone. After all, many jobs these days require things like GPS navigation systems and the ability to send and receive calls or notifications. Rideshare, delivery services and more rely on phones. 

Where does it fail?

Unfortunately, hands-free technology only addresses two of the three areas of driver distraction. These areas consist of cognitive, visual and manual distractions. Hands-free tech address manual and visual distractions by allowing you to keep your eyes on the road and your hands on the wheel. 

But hands-free tech cannot address cognitive distractions. By its very nature, hands-free tech enables the use of devices which contribute to cognitive distraction. Unfortunately, unless all three areas get addressed, these devices cannot claim full effectiveness. While they may help to a degree, experts warn against relying on them to keep you safe on the road.