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Many motorists believe they are not at risk of a distracted driving collision as long as they use Bluetooth headsets, voice control or other tools to manipulate their electronic devices hands-free.  While taking your hands off the wheel to use a cell phone or other electronics is unquestionably dangerous, distracted driving accident risks are not limited to situations where your hands are occupied by something besides the steering wheel. 

Studies have demonstrated that motorists who use a hands-free device while driving their vehicles are still at significant risk of a motor vehicle accident. These drivers have delayed reaction times and impaired judgment behind-the-wheel, as their brains are focused on their voice control tasks and not on the road ahead of them.

Using hands-free devices is not generally illegal -- even with texting bans and laws limiting cell phone use in place -- but it is dangerous and it can be considered negligent if the driver's actions are unreasonably unsafe. Ft. Myers personal injury attorneys like Randall Spivey can provide assistance in helping victims of a distracted driver pursue a civil lawsuit for monetary compensation after a crash.   

Hands-Free Devices and Their Risks  

CBS News reported on the risks associated with the use of a hands-free device at the same time as a motor vehicle is being operated.  CBS based its report on a study conducted by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, which looked at several different voice control systems on smart phones.  The study showed that motorists who used voice control to manipulate devices while driving were actually more distracted for longer periods than drivers who simply got their task done with a hand-held device.

Motorists who used voice-controlled systems within their vehicles that were synced to their smart phone often ended up taking a lengthy period of time to accomplish simple tasks, resulting in their attention being focused on their phone (and not the road) for long enough to drive the length of three football fields. 

Not only were the motorists distracted during the time they were giving voice commands, but they were also left with a “technology hangover,” according to the CBS report on the AAA Foundation's research.  Due to the “hangover,” motorists ended up taking as long as 27 seconds to fully shift their focus back to the road and become alert.

Motorists are encouraged to stop underestimating the risks associated with hands-free device control and they should make a commitment to staying 100 percent focused on the road in front of them whenever they operate a vehicle. Until drivers make the choice not to use even hands-free electronic devices, crash rates are likely to continue rising due to more widespread adoption of smart phones.

Victims need to assert their rights and stand up for themselves so they can be fairly compensated for the damage they endure due to a distracted driver. Personal injury attorneys can help victims prove distraction was the cause of their crash and fight for fair compensation from those who drove carelessly. Contact The Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A. for help with your case.