Using a hands-free mobile phone behind the wheel could be more dangerous than drink driving, according to a new study for the UK's Transport Research Laboratory (TRL). The research, called "Conversations in cars: the relative hazards of mobile phones" was carried out to assess the distraction caused by hands-free mobile phone conversations in comparison to other conventional in-car tasks, and to conversations held with a front-seat passenger. Thirty experienced drivers aged between 21 and 64 drove a 17km route in a driving simulator for each experimental condition. The results of the test revealed that drivers had less control of their vehicle, and showed reduced awareness of their surroundings, when making mobile phone calls. It was concluded that chatting to a passenger is less dangerous than making a phone call, because the passenger in the car is aware of surrounding road conditions, whereas the person on the other end of the phone line has no idea of the distraction their conversation is causing. In fact, in some aspects of driving behaviour, speaking on the phone while driving resulted in a worse level of driver impairment than had been shown by drivers who were over the UK's legal alcohol limit (0.8).
So, when using a mobile phone while driving, drivers are being advised not to use the phone in heavy traffic, poor road conditions or bad weather; not to engage in complex or emotional conversations while driving; and not to take notes, look up phone numbers or read or send SMS.
If a mobile phone is to be used while driving, always use hands-free and let the message service pick up if it is unsafe or unnecessary to answer a call. If you need to make or answer a call, use your phone's features - such as such as speed dial and voice-activation - to reduce the distraction and tell callers that you are driving while on the phone. Plan your trip and make calls when stationary whenever possible and if you need to stop driving to answer a call, make sure you pull over safely. In emergencies, remember that you can use your phone to call for help by dialling 000 or 112 in case of fire, traffic accident, road hazard or medical emergency.