You might think that using hands-free devices while driving makes the road safer. After all, 80% of drivers in a recent National Safety Council poll believe that hands-free cell phones are safer than handheld ones. But is that really the case?
The answer is clear: hands-free doesn’t mean risk-free.
Hands-free devices include earpieces, dashboard systems, and speakerphones, but even without physically holding a phone, drivers can still become dangerously distracted. It’s a tough concept for many to grasp because the messages we hear are mixed. While handheld phone use is banned in many states, hands-free devices are still allowed, which leads drivers to think they’re safe.
However, the reality tells a different story.
The Hard Truths About Hands-Free Driving
- 26% of all car crashes involve cell phone use, including hands-free.
- At any moment, 9% of drivers are talking on their cell phones.
- Cognitive distractions from phone use are as dangerous as alcohol and speeding, contributing to fatal and serious injury crashes.
- Drivers using phones miss up to 50% of what’s happening around them.
- The brain can’t multitask effectively – it just toggles between tasks, meaning a driver’s focus isn’t fully on the road.
- Brain activity linked to processing moving images drops by one-third when drivers talk on a phone.
- Studies show that using voice-to-text is even more distracting than typing manually.
What Can You Do if You’re Involved in an Accident?
If you or a loved one has been involved in an accident caused by distracted driving – even if it was “hands-free” – you have legal rights. The injuries and damages caused by distracted drivers can be life-altering, and you shouldn’t have to deal with the aftermath alone.
This is where Herrman & Herrman Personal Injury Attorneys come in. With decades of experience, we’ve successfully handled countless car accident cases, including those involving distracted driving. We understand how complex these cases can be, and we’ll fight to make sure you receive the compensation you deserve.
Don’t wait for insurance companies to offer you less than you’re owed. Contact Herrman & Herrman today for a free consultation and let us protect your rights. Whether it’s holding distracted drivers accountable or getting you the support you need during recovery, we’re here to help.
Hands-free doesn’t mean risk-free. But with the right legal team on your side, you can make sure the road to recovery is as smooth as possible.
So, if you think that hands-free devices are safe, think again.
