Aug

4

Speed, Safety and Cell Phones

Filed Under Auto Insurance, Auto Tips 

According to the results of a research conducted by the Center for Auto Safety and Public Citizen on the safety effects of using cell phones and other wireless communications devices while driving, speaking on mobile phones while driving poses a higher risk of road accidents than drink-driving.

This observation has been seconded by a group of researchers in Utah who claim that drivers are more accident-prone while talking on their mobile phones – even hands free models – due to the inattention blindness induced during a telephonic conversation that increases their reaction time and reduces their ability to process visual information promptly.

These studies seem to have struck a chord with the US government which issued the new Wireless Communications Device Law, effective from January 1, 2009, which intends to regulate the use of wireless communications devices in motor vehicles. As per the law, the state considers it an infraction to write, send or read text-based message on an electronic wireless communications device, such as a cell phone, while driving a motor vehicle.

Though all agree that talking on a cell phone while driving is not only distracting but dangerous as well, not much has been done to change it. However, a number of insurance companies have decided to start charging higher premiums from their clients if they get caught talking on the phones while behind the wheels.
If you do not want to feel the pinch of such policies on your pocket, it would be wise to invest in a range of hands-free auto accessories that are available in the market. There is a wide range of cell phone devices available for people who need to stay connected on phone but constantly worry about taking a call while driving and having to pay a penalty for the same.

You can select from a wide array of cell phone car-kits, hands free devices, headsets, speakers, speakerphones and other automotive phone accessories so that you can drive with both hands even while attending a call. This will provide hands free mobility for you while driving, allowing you to talk and drive safely at the same time.

One of the key features that you should look for while buying hands-free auto accessories are that it should be compatible with multiple cell phone systems such as CDMA, TDMA, GSM, AMPS and PHS. Moreover, the car accessory kits that usually include a speaker phone, a headset and a hands free device should have echo cancellation and noise suppression feature, adjustable volume, earphone jack for privacy and a good quality holder, which preferably rotates 180 degrees for greater comfort while handling calls.

These hands-free car kits (HFCK) generally use Bluetooth as their wireless technology and include headsets as well as personal navigation devices (PND). Some of the latest HFCKS are equipped with voice recognition feature and allow the driver to connect to his or her phone even if it is left in the pocket, purse, backpack or briefcase.

With technology geared to add to the comfort of everyday life, this new generation of communication technology will definitely help keep the drivers’ hands on the wheels and their attention on the road.

Comments

Leave a Reply