In the past few years, car and mobile device manufacturers have rushed to add hands-free options in vehicles and to their mobile devices. Most legislation related to distracted driving is based on the assumption that hands-free technology is safer and therefore allows its use in vehicles while driving. However, a recent study released by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety this month may call that assumption into question.

The study had its test subjects perform 8 tasks in three environments: non-current driving, driving simulator, and on the road in an urban setting. The tasks included doing nothing (other than driving during the driving environments), listening to a radio, having a conversation with someone seated next to them, using a hand-held phone, and using a speech-to-text device, as well as other common activities performed while driving. Performance was assessed by a number of methods, including reaction time and EEG (measurement of brain waves) activity. Results demonstrated that use of hand-held, hands-free and speech-to-text devices all significantly impaired response time and awareness or attention paid to hazardous objects.

According to some studies, distracted driving (including drive-related distraction such as checking mirrors) contributes to up to 78% of accidents (Dingus et al, 2006). As the number of people on the road increases every year, and the use of such devices increases, the likelihood of car accidents due to distracted driving will increase. According to the NSC, there were an estimated 36,200 motor vehicle fatalities in 2012, a 5% increase from 2011. In addition, they estimate that the number of crash-related injuries has also risen 5% from 2011 to 3.9 million. Knowing the dangers you face and maintaining focus while driving are critical to preventing collisions. So while your vehicle or your mobile device may have hands-free command technology, according to this AAA study, you could still be a distracted driver whose ability to focus on the road ahead and surroundings may still be significantly impaired.

Please consider your safety and others around you before using hands-free technology in your vehicle or mobile device while driving, and if it can wait you may just want to do that.

To see the full AAA report click here.