With the increasing usage of mobile phones, many people now use their phones in the car, perhaps posing a threat. Previously, there wasn’t technology allowing people to talk on their phones while driving, leading to more casualties as a result of distracted driving. But with advancement in driver technology, driving while on the phone is now more safe than ever.
Although mobile phones may affect how people drive, car manufacturers and software developers have found new ways to make it more convenient to talk on the phone while driving. Corporations propose new ideas on how to keep drivers safe in the car while using their phones. Also, many cars have integrated different ways into the vehicle to keep drivers safe while they talk on the phone. With all this, studies show that cell phone usage is not linked to more car accidents.
Although new technology that keeps drivers safe is constantly coming out, corporations propose new ideas on how to keep drivers safe in the car while using their phones, without using technology. “To figure out whether the phone is being used by a driver or a passenger, who can safely text in the car, Drive Safely Corp. intends to have the phone flash a series of numbers and letters that the user has to match on the keypad.”(Svensson). The goal of this idea is that drivers won’t be able to unlock their phone while also watching the road at the same time.
So, as a result, they won’t be able to text or call while driving. On top of this, “…Drive Safely Corp. proposes to put software on phones to detect, using a built-in GPS chip, when a device is moving faster than 15 miles per hour.”(Svensson). This allows the driver to be able to use their phone when traveling at or under 15 miles per hour, making it safe to perform any task while also driving. In-car technology is not required to keep drivers safe while using mobile phones.
Car manufacturers have a different perspective on the situation. Many cars have integrated different ways to keep drivers safe while they talk on the phone. “Like their name suggests, Bluetooth speakerphones employ built-in speakers and microphones to let you take your cell calls hands free. Relatively small, they usually attach to your car’s sun visor like a garage door opener.”(Consumer Electronics Association).
This grants safely for drivers because it provides a convenient and efficient way to talk on mobile phones while also having full awareness on the road ahead. “In-dash models’ larger displays or video screens make it easier for you to see the phone number and call status. Custom installation means that in many cases you will be able to use your car’s factory steering wheel buttons to operate your phone and audio system as well.”
With this kind of integration, it not only allows drivers to see who is calling, but also have all the controls right at their fingertips. The drivers hand will never leave the steering wheel, allowing full control of the vehicle and awareness at all times. There are many new and safe ways drivers can talk and drive while also being fully aware of the road.
Now for the studies and data. Studies show that cell phone usage is not linked to more car accidents. “Laboratory and epidemiological studies have further compared the relative crash risk of phone use while driving to that produced by illicit levels of alcohol.”(Bhargava and Pathania).
Studies have shown that high levels of alcohol provoke phone usage while driving, therefore raising the risk of crashing. “Given the mechanics of call routing and signal switching, the calls could have been placed only by callers in moving vehicles.”(Bhargava and Pathania). This proves that the integrated technology is so safe, that drivers trust it even when they are the ones making the calls in their moving vehicle.
Others are on the opposite end of the spectrum, and believe that any form of driving and being on the phone is dangerous. Driving and talking on the phone require different parts of the brain, and when put together, do not work well. “That is, using a phone and driving a car are understood to be two different tasks, each requiring some of our brain’s limited stock of cognitive resources.”(Rosenberger).
Here, Rosenberger is explaining how if on the phone while driving, it is a distraction because not all of the brain’s resources are centered toward only driving. “In a 2008 University of Utah study, researchers determined that a cell phone conversation is more distracting than conversing with a passenger.”(Hart).
Although mobile phones may affect how people drive, car manufacturers have found new ways to make it more convenient and safe to talk on the phone while driving. Corporations propose new ideas on how to keep drivers safe in the car while using their phones. Also, many cars have integrated different ways into the vehicle to keep drivers safe while they talk on the phone. With all this, studies show that cell phone usage is not linked to more car accidents. Yet, some people believe that driving and being on the phone in any way, is completely dangerous and should be avoided.
