28 February 2009 419 views No Comment Email This Post

Apple iPhone - go hands free

I love using my iPhone - I mean, who wouldn't? I need to keep in touch - work, family, news - all are important and all are things I need to be up to date with. Increased reliance on mobile telephones has led to a sharp increase in the number of people who use their mobile whilst driving. And that’s a problem.

As everyone knows using a mobile phone, even an iPhone, while driving in Australia is illegal. And rightly so! It's pretty obvious, but there are two main dangers associated with using you mobile and driving, especially sending text messages.

First, you can't avoid taking your eyes off the road while dialling or using the keypad or touch screen. Secondly, you can get so caught up and absorbed in your conversations that you completely lose concentration on your driving, jeopardising the safety of both yourself and other motorists and pedestrians.

This subject has got a lot of attention in the media and with the public in general here in Australia. There have been serious accidents and fatalities. Some want talking on the phone while driving banned all together (even with a hands free device), while others want to impose harsher penalties on the drivers who break the law.

Driving is a dangerous task which requires focus, concentration and skill. In general terms it is best that you don't use your mobile phone at all while driving. But if you’re going to, it’s imperative that you keep these safety factors in mind.

Suggestions for mobile phones and driving;

1. If you are driving alone and your mobile rings, pull over and answer the call if it is safe to do so. If not, just let it ring through to voice mail and return the call later. There are many distractions on the road and talking on your phone just adds another one.
2. If you have a passenger, get them to answer on your behalf.
3. If it's vital that you be able to take calls while driving, use a hands free device to answer incoming calls, allowing you to keep your hands on the wheel. Do not use the hands free device to make calls while driving.

Getting involved in an animated, heated or enjoyable conversation can be quite distracting. Far more than you realise. Although a hands free device is a safer way to take the call, it still has the potential to distract from your driving attention, so make sure you keep your wits about you and your eye on the road.

THE GOLDEN RULE:

The most important thing for you to remember when driving is that your ability to concentrate and take care on the road is your first responsibility. Any call that important is worth pulling over for.