Handheld Mobile Phones – Safety Tips & Advice

Recent legislation wants to blame handheld mobile phones for driver inattention but the truth is, that all any kind of mobile device can distract a driver. Statistics show that a driver trying to drive and operate any mobile device can be a hazard on the road.

You don’t have to have your hands on a mobile device for it to be a distraction either. A study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration indicated that a mobile phone conversation in itself, even on a wireless headset could be distracting. This is especially true if the conversation is emotionally charged (i.e. an argument with a child) or complex (i.e. trying to solve a problem).

If an emotional phone conversation can distract a driver, what about the suspense movie showing the backseat? Consider other mobile devices like in-car DVD players. Believe it or not some drivers actually try to watch movies on these handheld phones while they drive. A truck driver involved in a recent fatal crash admitted he was watching a movie on a mobile DVD player.

PDAs and even laptop computers are other devices that can take a driver’s attention off the road. Even mobile music devices like MP3s can even divert driver’s attention.

The best advice for safe driving is to keep the use of even hands-free mobile devices to a minimum and focus on the task at hand.

Also see; cell phone safety.

Author Notes:

Jack Adams contributes and publishes news editorial to http://www.cell-phones-n-plans.com. A cellular phone industry resource that features service plan comparisons, cellular phone reviews and articles.