CC image courtesy of Ed Poor at the English language Wikipedia
A study conducted with 32 drivers wearing head censors has proved any mobile use, even with a handset, is unsafe behind a wheel.
The University of Utah measured cognitive distraction with the use of hands-free voice recognition system, proving it more distracting than radio or passenger conversations.
Funded by non-profit organisation AAA, the findings states: “This clearly suggests that the adoption of voice-based systems in the vehicle may have unintended consequences that adversely affect traffic safety.”
Participants varied in gender and age with 12 men and 20 women aged 18 to 33.
The National Safety Council estimated mobile causes for accidents at 24 per cent in a report published last year in the United States.
“Just because a new technology does not take the eyes off the road does not make it safe to be used while the vehicle is in motion,” the Utah report said.
However, the Consumer Electronic Association was critical about the research, pointing to “a number of methodology flaws”.
The association pointed to unfamiliar cars and a defined course as the study’s weaknesses, saying it “could hardly be considered naturalistic”.
