A recent study discussed at the Detroit Free Press web site indicates that using a phone in the car when you are driving with or without a 'hands free' set leads to unsafe driving. The direct comparison is between people phoning while driving drive and people driving when drunk (ref. 0.08% alcohol level).
Astonishing results :
- Participants drove more aggressively when intoxicated, and more slowly while talking on a cell phone.
- Cell phone users were 9% slower to brake, had 24% more variation in following distance and were 19% slower to return to their initial speed after braking.
- Three cell phone users had accidents.
- Intoxicated drivers followed the pace car more closely, were twice as likely to brake 4 seconds before an accident would have occurred and hit the brakes with 23% more force, according to the study. There were no accidents.
What it will be like for policemen, trying to figure out whether the person is talking on his hands free set to a person miles away, or someone in the back seat ?
Imagine the scene :
Driver : "Well what's the problem ?"
Policeman : "You are alone in the car and talking..."
Driver : "Well I like talking to myself, keeps my stress levels down"
Policeman : "You're next topic of conversation with yourself will be about the fine I'm giving you !"