WIREDGOV

Scientists at the University of Sussex have found that drivers using a hands-free phone get just as distracted as those holding it in their hand.

The study found that those engaged in conversation took just under a second longer to respond to events such as a pedestrian stepping off the pavement.

Kevin Clinton, head of road safety at the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA), said: “We are not surprised at the findings of this study, as it confirms previous research that using any type of mobile phone while driving is distracting and dangerous and increases the risk of crashing.

“Although many people think that using a hands-free mobile phone while driving is safe, it is not. All the research clearly shows that using a hands-free phone does not significantly reduce the risks because the problems are caused mainly by the mental distraction and divided attention of using a phone at the same time as driving.

“RoSPA, which was instrumental in bringing into force the law banning the use of handheld mobile phones behind the wheel, would like to see that extended to hands-free for these reasons.

“Sadly, people continue to lose their lives on our roads in crashes caused by drivers who are distracted because they use a mobile phone. This can so easily be avoided by all drivers switching off their phones while driving, and only checking messages once they have stopped in a safe place.”

View study: http://www.sussex.ac.uk/newsandevents/?id=35831

For more information see: www.rospa.com/road-safety/advice/drivers/distraction/mobile-phones/