And now - a 'hands-free word'

Let's have a conversation about hands-free...

Lately, I have done some extensive high way driving and I can't tell you the number of times I have been almost run off the road because a driver in the next lane was so busy holding a cellphone it rendered them incapable of checking their mirrors before attempting to change lanes (or just staying in their own lane).  Seriously folks - this has to stop.  

Quite frankly - none of us should be driving while distracted but by the same token there are times when we need to take or make a call while driving.  But there is a better way(s).

Now I have actually pulled off the road to make a call or check my phone - which is what we are told to do - but I can't tell you how many times I did that and 5 seconds later had a police officer pull up behind me and send me on my way - so its a bit of a mixed message, you know? 

So if pulling off the road isn't an option, what do you do?

Well I will have to admit that I'm spoiled - my Focus comes with the Sync® system - which allows me make and take calls using buttons on my steering wheel as well as a set of controls on the panel.  See below:

I LOVE this system! It is really easy to use and super convenient.  With a flick of a button, I can tell my car to call a specific number in my contacts and that's it.  On some long trips, I even forget that I have an actual phone because I don't have to pick it up to make a call.  Bonus? I can run my Pandora on my cell and run it through the console (before I pull away from the curb, of course) for easy listening.  Even better? Newer models come with the ability to work some of your phone's apps through the console via voice commands (the 2012 doesn't have that feature).  Super plus bonus?  Depending on your cell provider, you may even have the ability to voice answer and respond to texts completely hands free! (unfortunately my provider isn't one of them....). I honestly can't say enough good things about this system.

For the purposes of disclosure, Ford isn't paying me for this but I am a proud Ford stockholder (all 20 shares!). 

So what do you do if your car doesn't come with a nifty hand's free system? Well, there is always a Bluetooth device, but they aren't for everyone.  My dad never liked them and I couldn't ever get them to stay in my ears. So I did a little research and a few Christmas's ago, I got my dad a headset like the one pictured below. He really liked it and I was impressed with the sound quality on those occasions he used it while talking to me.  I also liked that they are inexpensive and what's a few bucks when using a device like this could save a big ole fine?  When I started working from home and had to attend hours of conference calls, I purchased one for myself and it has been a lifesaver. (I do like things that are multi-purpose) 

For more disclosure, Taotronics isn't paying me for this, either.

Now, while doing some research for this, I can't tell you how many photos I saw on the net of people with cell phones strapped to their heads with rubber bands....or duct tape.  Seriously? That is a hundred ways impractical and unsafe and NOT hands-free. 

All I'm saying is that so many states are now requiring hands free devices so its good to know your options so hop on board the 'safety-train' and keep yourself from a ticket, or a wreck...or being honked & hollered at by the blonde in the Focus you almost ran off the road.

BTW - I got curious about texting so I looked it up....Have a look at this article from the MotherJones website - it dates from 2008 but it will show how much your state fines for texting while driving. I feel bad for those Alaska folks.... $10,000 and a year in prison! And that is for a FIRST offense.  I kid you not. I was so surprised I looked it up! 

Thanks and be safe!

Note: photos are NOT mine - I take no credit for them.  See Ford's website or Amazon.com for more information on these products.