Most modern cars and phones come with a way to connect. The manufacturers say that you can take advantage of the technology to make and receive calls while driving without taking your hands from the wheel.
They are technically correct, as you can indeed do this. Yet, it does not mean you should or that it is safe to do so. Here is why:
Distracted driving is about more than just your hands
Modern cars have the controls positioned, so you no longer need to remove a hand to operate the horn, lights or wipers. Yet hitting the horn or wipers was never as dangerous as using your phone because they do not occupy your mind in the same way.
While hands-free sets can stop your phone from distracting you physically and visually, a phone call still distracts you cognitively.
Imagine your partner calls you to say they found a great deal on flights and want to book a week at a Mexican beach. How can you not let your mind drift to the sounds of waves lapping on the shore as you sip a Margarita and feel the sun’s warmth on your skin? Those few seconds of bliss could be enough for you to miss something going on around you and crash.
There is no safe way to use a phone while driving, and there never will be. If a driver injures you in a crash, getting legal help to obtain their phone records could help show they were distracted and at fault.