another study says hand-free cell phones make no difference

[Dave Farber <dave () farber net>]

http://www.cnn.com/2003/TECH/ptech/06/23/sweden.handsfree.reut/index.html


Study: Hands-free phones not safer



STOCKHOLM, Sweden (Reuters) --Talking on a mobile phone while driving your
car is just as dangerous when using hands-free equipment as when holding the
phone in your hand, according to a Swedish study published on Monday.

The National Road Administration (SNRA) tested 48 people in driving
simulators, dividing them into two groups -- one with and the other without
hands-free mobile phone devices.

The drivers in both groups received about 10 phone calls each during 1.5
hours of simulated driving in different conditions. The test revealed almost
no difference in reaction time between the two groups.

"It is the distraction of the phone conversation that is the problem," said
Ingemar Skogo, the SNRA director general.

Millions use hands-free phones

Many European Union countries, though not Sweden, and some U.S. states ban
talking on mobile phones while driving, because it has been proven to cause
accidents.

But laws often permit hands-free gadgets with headphones or loudspeakers,
and millions of cell phone users have installed such devices.

The Swedish findings were in line with a recent report in the Psychological
Science journal, which suggested hands-free technology may not reduce the
risk of accidents because a driver's attention, rather than problems with
physically handling a cell phone, is a more important factor in safe
driving.

The SNRA, which carried out its study at the request of the Swedish
government, said it would not recommend a law against talking on your mobile
phone while driving.

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