Research indicates significant concerns about hands-free calls while driving.
- Only 25% of people feel hands-free calls are safe during driving.
- 36% avoid hands-free calls due to potential risks involved.
- 22% believe that talking on the phone reduces driver concentration.
- Some acknowledge worsened concentration even when calls are hands-free.
Research conducted by Startline Motor Finance highlights a profound concern among drivers regarding the safety of making hands-free calls while on the road. Despite technological advancements that have made hands-free operations widely accessible, only a quarter of the surveyed population perceives them to be safe. This reveals a general scepticism towards the notion that merely removing the hands from the device equates to a significant reduction in risk.
A substantial 36% of individuals consciously abstain from making hands-free calls whilst driving, attributing their decision to the inherent risks they entail. These personal decisions underscore a self-regulated approach to road safety, reflecting a segment of the population actively mitigating potential distractions.
Furthermore, the research identifies that 22% of participants are convinced that being on the phone compromises the concentration levels of drivers. This perception further substantiates the argument that any form of telecommunication whilst driving, regardless of its mode, introduces unnecessary risks.
Intriguingly, 16% of drivers admit to making hands-free calls but concede that it detracts from their focus on driving. In a more alarming revelation, 5% disclosed near-miss incidents linked to being on a call while driving, amplifying concerns about the genuine threat posed by these distractions.
In response to these findings, Paul Burgess, CEO at Startline Motor Finance, expressed that these insights show a significant recognition among drivers of the risks associated with hands-free calls and the subsequent impairment it has on their driving abilities. He noted that the self-policing behaviour of a third of the participants, who opt out of hands-free calls, illustrates the gravity with which this issue is regarded by the public.
Despite the widespread awareness of risks, there remains limited support for changing current hands-free calling laws.
