{"id":639,"date":"2019-02-12T11:10:43","date_gmt":"2019-02-12T11:10:43","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/blogs.sussex.ac.uk\/policy-engagement\/?p=639"},"modified":"2019-02-12T11:10:48","modified_gmt":"2019-02-12T11:10:48","slug":"think-talking-on-your-hands-free-while-driving-is-safe-think-again","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.sussex.ac.uk\/policy-engagement\/think-talking-on-your-hands-free-while-driving-is-safe-think-again\/","title":{"rendered":"Think talking on your hands-free while driving is safe? Think again"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The RAC\u2019s Be Phone Smart campaign reported that drivers using phones caused 2263 crashes between 2013 and 2017. However, most such campaigns focus on hand-held mobile phone use rather than hands-free. Research carried out by Dr Graham J. Hole<\/a> (University of Sussex) with Dr Gemma F. Briggs and Dr Jim A. J. Turner (Open University) reveals overwhelming evidence that \u2013 contrary to popular assumption \u2013 driving while having a phone conversation using hands-free technology is no safer than using a hand-held phone. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Over 80% of studies into phone use have now shown significant performance degradation, with hands-free phone use causing the same dangerously high levels of distraction as hand-held phone use. Drawing from their own research, as well as numerous studies by other academics and public bodies, this policy brief debunks some common misconceptions around the safety of hands-free phone use, and examines some potential solutions for tackling the problem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

The study\u2019s findings include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n