Poll: Drivers mistakenly believe hands-free cell phones are safer

New findings from a National Safety Council poll indicate that the majority of drivers across America believe that hands-free devices are safer than using a handheld phone. In reality, hands-free devices do not offer drivers any safety benefits, according to the Council.

The poll, released earlier this month, found 80 percent of drivers nationwide say they believe that hands-free devices are safer than handheld phones while driving. Of those who use hands-free devices, 70 percent say they do so for safety reasons. But the Council says that more than 30 studies show that hands-free devices are no safer than handheld phones because drivers still remain distracted.

“While many drivers honestly believe they are making the safe choice by using a hands-free device, it’s just not true,” says David Teater, senior director of transportation at the Council. “The problem is, the brain does not truly multi-task. Just like you can’t read a book and talk on the phone, you can’t safely operate a vehicle and talk on the phone. With some state laws focusing on handheld bans and carmakers putting hands-free technology in vehicles, no wonder people are confused.”

Although 12 states and the District of Columbia have banned the use of hand-held cellphones while driving, hands-free devices have not been regulated by any state or municipality, according to the Council.

A growing number of cars are being equipped with dashboard systems that allow drivers to make hands-free calls, send text messages, email and even update their social media statuses, the study authors noted.

The researchers found that 53 percent of those polled believe these devices are safe because the car’s manufacturer installed them.

The Council is seeking to debunk the hands-free myth by launching a “hands-free is not risk-free” campaign, which coincides with Distracted Driving Awareness Month this April.