Cape Town traffic officials are on the prowl for any drivers who are on their mobile phones or not wearing their seatbelts. It has been said that drivers using their mobiles are less capable of driving than someone who is drunk and this has boosted the concentration of traffic officials.
I must admit, since I got my new car, I’ve started using the handsfree kit and it’s definitely a lot safer than holding the device to your ear and working the steering wheel and gears with just one hand. The number of times I’ve seen drivers swaying across lanes or doing silly things because they’re on their mobile is second to nothing.
I think it’s a good campaign, hopefully one which will lower the number of irresponsible drivers on the road!
The interesting thing is that many studies have shown that it has nothing to do with physically holding a phone as it does with having a conversation. So it’s mental vs physical distraction that reduces road concentration. I’m sold on this theory, as I installed a bluetooth kit in my new car (which together with the new phone in a cradle running satnav makes for a kick ass in-car system), but can definitely at times notice that I’m not paying as much attention as I should be…
Very very interesting Martin and I can fully agree with you on this. I have a hands free kit in my car and I feel that I pay less attention when on the kit than if I am holding the phone – I only noticed this driving home from work tonight because I read your comment during the day and it came to mind when a friend called..