Using that Bluetooth device when you’re behind the wheel might be giving you a false sense of security.
While most people know using a handheld phone while on the road can be a distraction, the CAA’s Gary Howard says that research has been very clear that using a hands-free device doesn’t make driving any safer.
“In fact, in some cases, some studies have said it’s more dangerous because with this idea that it’s safe your conversations actually last longer, so you’re not paying as much attention for a longer period,” says Howard. “It’s been very clear that this is a major distraction.”
Howard says studies suggest up to 80% of collsions could be avoided if there was one more second of reaction time.
“Some research says that 80% of vehicle crashes involved inattentiveness or distracted driving, so it is a very large concern,” says Howard.
He says one of the biggest misconceptions around distracted driving is that it is primarily a youth problem.
“Some of our most recent research actually suggests that for a younger driver in their 20s, they completely see this as unacceptable,” says Howard. “Whether you’re driving using a telephone hand held or hands free, or texting, and they suggest that they are less likely to engage in it.”
The CAA has a distracted driving simulator and you can find a link HERE