According to a new study by the AAA Traffic Foundation, the dangers of distracted driving are far worse than originally thought.
When the Vermont Legislature passed a bill banning drivers from using hand-held phones or other electronic devices, officials believed that moving towards a hands-free system would be a safer alternative.
But the new AAA study concludes that this assumption isn't true.
Dan Goodman, public affairs manager for AAA Vermont and New Hampshire, says the new research is surprising and concerning.
"Using these hands-free devices causes cognitive or mental distractions and it distracts you while you are driving and it persists,” says Goodman, “Even up to 27 seconds after you stop using these devices."
And Goodman says voice activated phone and GPS systems pose a huge distraction because many don't work properly.
"When the systems don't work drivers get distracted,” explains Goodman. “They get frustrated when it dials the wrong number or gives the wrong command at this point these systems just aren't good enough."
"The biggest surprise is that residual cognitive workload effects from use were still evident 27 seconds after using the system. 'Hands-free' does not mean 'brain-free.'" - 'Measuring Cognitive Distraction in the Automobile III,' a new study by the AAA Traffic Foundation
Goodman says AAA plans to present this new research to lawmakers to see if there is a way to reduce the incidence of distracted driving in the future.
