Drivers in many North American jurisdictions are getting used to not using cell phones when behind the wheel.
Most Canadian provinces have bans on using any handheld electronic device while driving, and in some places they’ve been in places for more than a year. Drivers have adapted by getting some gadgets to allow them to use their cell phones hands-free. Anything from a wired headset, to a complete built-in Bluetooth system means that many drivers aren’t talking less on their phones while they drive, they’re just doing it with two hands on the wheel.
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Now a study from the U.S.-based Highway Loss Data Institute suggets we’re not any safer on the road for it. Accident rates in four U.S. states found the rate of collisions actually increased after gadget bans were put in place. There was a nine per cent increase in Minnesota, and a one per cent increase in Washington.
According to the study, drivers are just ignoring the law and continuing to get into collisions as a result. So take a look at a few of these Bluetooth gadgets for hands-free talking and stay safe on the roads.