Hands-Free Calling

At driving school, we are taught to keep our hands at ten and two. The increasing popularity of the smart phone and constant communication, however, has made people ignore this defensive driving mantra. Luckily, there are many Bluetooth devices available that allow for hands-free calling, helping you keep your hands on the wheel and eyes on the road. Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of accidents, so using a hands-free calling device is an affordable way to stay connected but also safe.

Brands

One of the most popular hands-free devices on the market is the Voice on the Go. This device allows you to dial numbers, listen to and send e-mails, write Facebook posts and send Tweets, and create text messages, all with your voice. The only downside is the device does not let you receive text messages. The Vlingo Plus is another popular device, mainly because of its one-time installation fee. The device allows you to call and send text messages, but it has some limitations, such as not being able to listen to incoming e-mails and texts.

Safety

The main purpose of hands-free devices is to help prevent distracted driving caused by cell phones. It allows you to keep your hands on the wheel and eyes on the road while still communicating with people. Some studies have suggested, however, that using a hands-free device is not safer than using a hand-held device. The increased cognitive workload of holding a conversation or writing a text or e-mail is what causes the increased risk. Ideally, you should focus on driving while in the car, and either pull over or wait till you arrive at your destination before you use your cell phone.

Benefits

The biggest benefit of using a hands-free device is improved safety, despite what some studies may suggest. Taking your eyes off the road to look at a cell phone or taking your hands of the wheel to send an e-mail or text message is incredibly dangerous. While using a hands-free device can still lead to distracted driving, it is much safer than using a cell phone. Using a hands-free device is also very simple and easy, and they are relatively cheap to buy and install. Depending on the model you buy, the quality is usually excellent, particularly the sound quality.

Drawbacks

Perhaps somewhat surprisingly, the biggest drawback of using a hands-free device is the same as the biggest benefit: safety. It is certainly safer to use a hands-free device instead of a cell phone, but it is still a safety hazard. Holding a conversation with someone or sending an e-mail or text means your mind is focused on something other than driving, which leads to distracted driving and a reduced reaction time. This can potentially lead to an accident, as drivers are less aware of hazards or obstacles on the road, or other vehicles. While some hands-free devices hook up to the car’s sound system, some devices need to be placed on the dashboard, which can also be a distraction.

Cost

One of the biggest pluses of using a hands-free device is the cost. For the Voice on the Go, one of the most popular products on the market, the cost is $6 per month. Some devices have a one time cost, however, such as the Vlingo Plus, which costs $18. For the most part, you can expect to pay around $20 for a one-time charge. Devices such as OnStar, however, tend to cost a bit more. OnStar offers prepaid minute packages, with 100 minutes going for $50, and 1,000 minutes going for $390.