National Safety Council poll: 8 in 10 drivers mistakenly believe hands-free cell phones are safer

Distracted Driving Awareness Month campaign focuses on why hands-free is not risk-free

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Apr 01, 2014, 03:27 ET

ITASCA, Ill., April 1, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- New findings from a National Safety Council public opinion poll indicate 80 percent of drivers across America incorrectly believe that hands-free devices are safer than using a handheld phone. More than 30 studies show hands-free devices are no safer than handheld as the brain remains distracted by the cell phone conversation. Of the poll participants who admitted to using hands-free devices, 70 percent said they do so for safety reasons.

There is no safe way to use a cell phone while driving. More than 30 studies show hands-free devices are not safer than handheld because the brain remains distracted by the cell phone conversation. Share this new infographic from the National Safety Council and visit nsc.org/handsfree to learn more about why hands-free is not risk-free. (PRNewsFoto/National Safety Council) (PRNewsFoto/NATIONAL SAFETY COUNCIL)

The mission of the National Safety Council is to save lives by preventing injuries and deaths at work, in homes and communities and on the road through leadership, research, education and advocacy. (PRNewsFoto/National Safety Council) (PRNewsFoto/National Safety Council)

"While many drivers honestly believe they are making the safe choice by using a hands-free device, it's just not true," said David Teater, senior director of Transportation Initiatives at the National Safety Council. "The problem is the brain does not truly multi-task. Just like you can't read a book and talk on the phone, you can't safely operate a vehicle and talk on the phone. With some state laws focusing on handheld bans and carmakers putting hands-free technology in vehicles, no wonder people are confused."

Currently, no state or municipality has passed a law banning hands-free use, but 12 states and the District of Columbia have passed laws banning handheld cell phone use while driving. Further, an increasing amount of vehicles are now equipped with dashboard infotainment systems that allow drivers to make hands-free calls as well as send text messages, email and update social media statuses. The NSC poll found that 53 percent of respondents believe hands-free devices must be safe to use if they are built into vehicles.

To debunk the hands-free myth, the Council has selected 'Hands-free is not risk-free' for its April Distracted Driving Awareness Month campaign. Help raise awareness by sharing the posters, fact sheets, infographics and more available at nsc.org/handsfree. Take the pledge to drive cell free at nsc.org/pledge.

About the National Safety Council
Founded in 1913 and chartered by Congress, the National Safety Council, nsc.org, is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to save lives by preventing injuries and deaths at work, in homes and communities, and on the road through leadership, research, education and advocacy. NSC advances this mission by partnering with businesses, government agencies, elected officials and the public in areas where we can make the most impact – distracted driving, teen driving, workplace safety, prescription drug overdoses and Safe Communities.

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SOURCE National Safety Council