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Hands-Free Technology Can Keep Drivers Safe Cell Phones and Driving, 2015 From Opposing Viewpoints in Context

The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) is a trade organization representing the consumer electronics industry.

As a form of hands-free technology, Bluetooth can reduce driver distraction by wirelessly connecting cell phones to nearby devices in vehicles. Bluetooth headsets and attachable speakerphones allow drivers to receive and make calls hands-free with ease of operation. Installed car kits and in-dash technology integrate Bluetooth into the vehicle itself, which has several advantages, such as muting the stereo during calls and providing caller ID in ways that keep the driver's eyes on the road. However, common sense and caution must be used with hands-free technology, and the consumer electronics industry endorses legislation that prioritizes driver safety and supports future innovations.

You've likely heard of Bluetooth, the wireless technology that allows cell phones, for example, to connect to other devices in close proximity. When used with headsets or hands-free car kits, this technology offers drivers a convenient and potentially safer way to manage cell conversations while driving. And not only is it more convenient, in some states and localities it may be your only option for talking while driving.

So how can you enjoy Bluetooth hands-free calling in your car? Here's a look at some options:

Headsets

Bluetooth headsets are a simple way to talk hands-free in your car. Generally, headsets offer excellent call quality and simple operation. Since they're physically attached to you, headsets go wherever you do and may be a good solution if you make multiple stops or are constantly in and out of your car. This gives them a unique advantage over other in-car hands-free solutions. Perhaps their biggest downside is that they are battery operated, and thus require you to remember to keep one more device charged.

Speakerphones

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. Power is less of a concern, as most contain built-in rechargeable batteries and can also plug directly into your 12V lighter outlet for powering or charging. Most models feature only a few buttons, which keeps operating them simple. Some offer small screens for displaying caller ID and call status. Models with built-in FM transmitters give you the additional options of hearing your calls through your car stereo over an FM frequency.

Remember, there's no device that can substitute for common sense to keep you safe on the road.

Car Kits

Car kits are usually installed (hard-wired) into your vehicle, which offers several advantages. For starters, installed car kits offer an integrated look with no dangling power cords, speakers or microphones. Second, they are typically connected to the vehicle's power, which means you never have to worry about remembering to charge them. They're always—pardon the pun—on call. Another benefit, many car kits can be installed to mute your car's sound system when your phone rings or you initiate a call. Depending on how many incoming calls you get, this can be a huge convenience. Some models also speak caller ID, which lets you keep your eyes on the road while trying to figure out who's calling. Finally, more and more models can wirelessly stream your music from your Stereo Bluetooth- equipped portable music player to your car's audio system.

Portable Navigation Devices

There's good news if you're also in the market for a GPS [Global Positioning System] navigation

device. Many portable navigation devices (PNDs) offer built-in Bluetooth hands-free connections for your cell phone. Like installed car kits, PNDs with built-in Bluetooth use either their built-in speakers or an FM transmitter to play your calls through your car stereo. This convergence translates into added convenience for you, as spoken navigation commands are muted while the phone is in use. Some models also support Stereo Bluetooth music streaming, letting you stream music wirelessly to your car stereo.

In-dash

The final and most integrated option for adding hands-free to your car is a Bluetooth-enabled in-dash stereo. Bluetooth-equipped car stereo "headunits" totally integrate your voice and music streaming from your phone to your car's speakers. Like car kits and PNDs, most units will mute or pause the music when you place or take a call. 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.

Whether you frequently take calls in the car, or if your state or locality mandates hands-free talking while driving, you'll definitely want to shop for a Bluetooth hands-free device for your car. Make sure your phone is Bluetooth-enabled in order to be able to make and receive calls using a hands-free device. Also keep in mind that if you wish to stream music from your phone or portable music player, both the phone/player and the Bluetooth hands-free device must support the Bluetooth Stereo (A2DP) standard or "profile." Remember, there's no device that can substitute for common sense to keep you safe on the road. Please use cell phones and hands-free devices with caution....

Policy Approaches and Considerations

The consumer electronics industry is completely committed to the principle that safety is paramount

and a driver's highest priority must be safe control of the vehicle at all times. CEA [Consumer Electronics Association] has supported state legislation imposing limits on the use of in-vehicle electronics to ensure driver safety. CEA also supports ongoing consumer awareness and education and has compiled a list of state laws for electronics use in cars.

Policy approaches should recognize that in-vehicle electronics can enhance driver safety by improving situational awareness and focus.

Policy approaches to driver distraction must be driven by well-grounded science. Recent "real world" data is now allowing us to understand the true impact of all distractions, including in-vehicle electronics, on driver performance. "Naturalistic" studies conducted under actual driving conditions should be given greater consideration than studies used with simulators.

Policy considerations must take into account both the current state of technology and the likelihood of future innovations. Policies should be carefully calibrated so as not to inadvertently prohibit new technologies that could benefit drivers. For example, regulations should not prohibit voice-operated texting where the real concern is manual entry and operation of handheld devices.

Policy approaches should recognize that in-vehicle electronics can enhance driver safety by improving situational awareness and focus. A driver using a GPS navigation system is safer than a lost or disoriented driver. Likewise, in-vehicle entertainment systems keep children occupied who may otherwise demand the attention of the driver.

Policy approaches should focus on driver behavior and activities rather than specific technologies or products. Scientific research has demonstrated driver distraction can arise from a wide variety of sources—conversations with passengers, eating, consuming beverages, smoking, tending to children, and other such activities. However, unlike these longstanding distractions, mobile electronics can also provide clear benefits to drivers and passengers.

Recent naturalistic driving studies have confirmed that manual texting while driving significantly increases the risk of a crash. CEA supports a ban on the use of handheld devices for manual texting while driving.

Research has also shown that younger drivers typically do not have the skill set to perform secondary tasks while driving safely. Accordingly, CEA supports initiatives that restrict mobile phone use for novice drivers or drivers operating under a graduated drivers' license (GDL).