Using a cell phone while driving causes 25% of accidents in South Africa. This is according to a report by the International Transport Forum (ITF). The question is if Bluetooth devices or hands-free kits make driving any safer, as drivers have both hands available for steering. Let’s find out.1
Hands-free Conversations While Driving
Your hands may be free while chatting on the cell phone as you drive, but it’s still a significant distraction. Your focus on what lies ahead has shifted to the conversation instead. In addition, some research has shown that drivers engaged in hands-free phone calls drive faster than those holding their cell phones. 1
Passenger vs Cell Phone Conversations
According to more research, chatting to a passenger while driving is less risky compared to someone having a cell phone conversation with you. First, the extra pair of eyes in the car helps to detect any potential danger on the road ahead. Second, a passenger will stop chatting when approaching some trouble. But the other party in the cell phone conversation is oblivious to what is unfolding on the road and takes your focus away from driving. 1
Why is Distraction So Dangerous?
Travelling at 120 km/hour means you’ll cover 66 metres or two-thirds of the length of a rugby field in two seconds. So much can happen in front of you if your eyes are not on the road for that time. At that speed, focused drivers would take about 2 seconds to spot the threat and then start to brake, a distracted driver could take much longer to react 1
Having a One-minute Cell Phone Conversation
Chatting on the cell phone for a full minute while driving at 120 km/hour means you were distracted for 2 km. Human error causes 90% of all car accidents, with a large percentage of that figure due to distraction. 1
So, What’s The Solution?
First, don’t break the law by holding a cell phone while driving. Fortunately, modern cars have Bluetooth connectivity that legally enables you to use your cell phone hands-free. But, this facility does not remove the distraction. 1
Move Off The Road When Sorting Out Your Cell Phone
If you need to make an urgent call, do so before starting a journey. If you receive a call while driving or need to adjust your cell phone, pull over. By doing so, don’t endanger yourself or any other motorists. Besides the slogan ‘don’t drink and drive,’ there should also be a slogan that says: ‘don’t phone and drive.’ 1
Claiming From The Road Accident Fund (RAF)
You might be able to receive compensation from the RAF if a third party injured you in a road accident because the third party was using a cell phone. 1
Disclaimer
This article aims to show you how to stay safe by not using a cell phone while driving. 1
Driving is all about risk. That’s why you minimise the chance of having an accident by not using a cell phone while driving. Similarly, you reduce the risk of financial stress by buying good car insurance. Experience PMD’s world-class client service when we show you affordable car insurance products with unique benefits, such as fixed premiums* and a reduce-to-zero excess*. T’s and C’s apply.
When buying any financial services product, consult a certified financial advisor for professional advice and ensure success.
Source:
1https://www.dsclaw.co.za/articles/is-hands-free-cell-use-really-safer-studies-say-no/
This article was prepared by Eric Sandmann in his personal capacity. The views and opinions expressed in this article are the author’s own. The views and opinions in the article should not be attributed to anyone but the author unless expressly stated. Nothing in this article should be relied upon as advice, this publication is presented for informational purposes only. No person should act or refrain from acting in reliance on any information found in this article, without first obtaining proper financial advice from the appropriate professional. The author makes no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, or completeness, of any information linked from, referred to, or contained in this article. The author reserves the right, to edit and change the content of this article.
