Using a cellular phone while driving can increase your chances of being involved in a crash. However, cell phones aren't the only problem. Other distractions, such as looking at outside objects and other people in the vehicle, pose a greater risk of contributing to crashes than cell phone use.
Why are handheld cell phones at the heart of the debate?
Handheld cell phones are readily visible to other drivers. When people chance upon a distracted driver and notice a cell phone, they naturally blame the phone.
However, it's more difficult to determine if a distracted driver is talking to a passenger, tuning the radio or eating.
What about hands-free phones?
Hands-free phones are not risk-free. The hands-free feature is simply a convenience: it does not increase safety.
Studies show that hands-free cellular phones distract drivers the same as handheld phones. Why? because it's the conversation that distracts the driver -- not the device.
Next: What do recent studies show? >>
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