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Hands-Free Phones Safer, Study Finds

August 4, 2004
A new study finds that drivers' reaction time, accuracy and consistency of speed improved significantly when they used a headset with their cell phone, compared with using a handheld phone.

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The study is one of the few to analyze physical impairment experienced while driving and using a mobile phone; to date most other studies have focused solely on the mental distraction of using a mobile phone while driving.

The study was commissioned by Plantronics, which manufactures headsets. It was conducted by Design Science, an independent human factors research firm that has conducted other driving-related studies for a wide range of organizations including the U.S. Department of Transportation.

Many traffic safety experts contend that the use of any kind of cell phone -- hands-free or otherwise -- creates a dangerous distraction for drivers. Washington, D.C., New Jersey and New York have outlawed the use of hand-held cell phones while driving.

"Our study is not intended to address the issue of whether or not it is safe to talk on a mobile phone while driving, but rather what type of technology is safest for drivers to use while talking on their mobile phones," said Beth Johnson, Plantronics senior director of product marketing.

Researchers used a driving simulator to compare the driving ability of subjects using a mobile phone under two conditions -- one holding a mobile phone, and the other using a headset, leaving their hands free.

"The central question of our study was, 'For a person using a mobile phone, does driving improve if he or she uses a headset?' What the research showed is that, across all conditions, the answer is a resounding yes," said Stephen Wilcox, Ph.D., Principal of Design Science.

"Driving with both hands on the wheel is the safest option for motorists who use mobile phones, and headsets are tools to enable that improvement."

The driving performance of 24 subjects in three major categories was measured: steering accuracy, braking reaction time and speed variability. Key initial findings of the research found:

• 71% of the test subjects steered more accurately when using a headset;
• 100% of the test subjects had faster brake reaction times when using a headset;
• 92% of the test subjects maintained a more consistent speed when using a headset.

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