Oct. 7, 2014—According to new research by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, hands-free devices for use in conjunction with one’s mobile phone may not be as safe as previously thought.
The study found that in many cases, hands-free devices actually increase distractions. And while manufacturers continue their efforts to develop and refine systems that reduce distractions, AAA encourages drivers to minimize cognitive distraction by limiting the use of most voice-based technologies.
"We already know that drivers can miss stop signs, pedestrians and other cars while using voice technologies because their minds are not fully focused on the road ahead," Bob Darbelnet, chief executive officer of AAA said in a release. "We now understand that current shortcomings in these products, intended as safety features, may unintentionally cause greater levels of cognitive distraction."
The full results of the study and release can be found here.
