Chicago Accident and Injury Lawyer Blog

A recent study suggests that hands-free cell phone devices are just as dangerous on the road as their handheld counterparts. According to experts, engaging in a conversation on a mobile device while drivint distracts the brain and delays reaction times. Drivers are more likely to swerve between lanes, slow down and miss important signs when carrying on a conversation with a mobile device.

The National Safety Council (NSC) urged legislators in all fifty states to pass laws prohibiting drivers from using cell phone devices. Currently, six states and the District of Columbia ban handheld cell phones by drivers. Janet Froetscher, president of the NSC points out that, "When you're on a call, even if both hands are on the wheel, your head is in the call."

A recent study conducted by the University of Utah found that drivers engaging in a cell phone conversation on a headset were more likely to make errors behind the wheel than a driver talking to a front-seat passenger. The study concluded that conversations with a front-seat passenger can actually mitigate accidents because the passenger can help observe road conditions and warn the driver of possible hazards.

Previous studies have concluded that talking on a cell phone while driving is as bad as driving drunk. The risk of getting into a car accident while talking on a wireless device is growing as the nubmer of cell phone subscribers incrases. There are 270 million cell phone subscribers in the United Sates, up from 76 million in 1999. In a survey by Nationwide Insurance, 80% of people admitted to talking on theri cell hpones while driving. About 45% acknowledged having been hit or nearly hit by someone using a cell phone while driving.

Legislation alone won't fix this problem. People must be aware that talking on a cell phone, whether handheld or hands-free, is a dangerous and risky habit. Save your phone calls until after the car ride.