Can Using Bluetooth Technology Make You a Safer Driver?

As many cell phone owners are aware, wireless headsets have come a long way. Bluetooth technology has made wireless users out of many people that may have found wired headsets to be cumbersome or intrusive. But can a Bluetooth headset make you a safer driver? Many municipalities believe that headsets can make cell phone users better drivers, and some have instituted laws to prevent cell phone use while driving unless headsets are employed.

There is plenty of research to prove that using a cell phone while driving causes a driver to be distracted. The National Safety Council and National Highway Traffic Administration have both shown through studies that a distracted driver is an impaired driver, and an impaired driver is a danger to himself and those with whom he shares the road. A popular cable television program even staged a demonstration that proved maneuvering a vehicle while talking on a cell phone is similar to driving while intoxicated. However, these studies are generally meant to show that holding a phone conversation while driving is dangerous in and of itself. There is less information on the difference between driving while using a cell phone with and without a headset.

While laws that prohibit using a cell phone while driving are aimed at the right target, they somewhat miss the mark. Distracted driving is distracted driving, regardless of the delivery system behind the distraction. The overall result of restrictive laws may do more to generate revenue than prevent accidents. This fact makes most cell phone laws useless.

It is commonly believed by each individual that, regardless of the information gathered that points to the contrary; they are able to defy statistics and multi-task while they careen across our nation’s highways and byways. This twisted logic is behind the defiance expressed by most Americans when it comes to their “rights” as far as cell phones are concerned. It is also not unusual for people – after being involved in a crash – to look for any other excuse for being distracted before admitting that they were on a cell phone. It is a statement about the human spirit. Not my fault!

For all the benefits offered with wireless technology, from the convenience of heads-free phone use to Bluetooth software that facilitates communication with peripheral devices, there is still no practical way to circumvent the human factor. It is the unfortunate truth that a driver that is distracted by being engaged in a phone conversation will probably be easily distracted by any number of things that cross his path. This could include such common every day occurrences a stalled car on the side of the road, an accident scene, or believe it or not…passengers in his vehicle. Holding a conversation with someone inside the vehicle can be just as distracting as a phone call to someone who is easily distracted.

As much as it is painful to say, the only way to make driving safer when it comes to cell phone use is to make it completely illegal. At the same time, it would probably be a good idea to outlaw eating, drinking, daydreaming, changing radio stations, and all other mode of distraction while behind the wheel. And while this might make drivers less distracted, it would require more police than we could afford to employ. Simply put, it would be virtually impossible for the government to enforce.

The best option is to try to make the public smarter, and more aware. By imposing stiff penalties for violations that take place while a driver is distracted, maybe we can get the message across that there is a financial result to inattention. It doesn’t appear that the fear of dying in a car wreck is enough to get everyone’s attention.