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:
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)
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.