Hands-free technology might not be as safe as you think

A new study was released on Tuesday that says using hands-free technology while driving might be more distracting than we think.

This study is the first of it’s kind. In the past scientists have been able to measure physical and visual distraction but this study focuses on cognitive and mental distraction.

The University of Utah released their results and says it contradicts what three out of four drivers believe about using their hands-free devices.

The study doesn’t only focus on cellphone hands-free technology but also other functions like changing a radio station.

Study participants were asked to use some simple in vehicle communication while their heart rate, brain waves, and reaction time was measured.

Dave Carlson with AAA of Idaho says even if drivers have their hands on the wheel and eyes on the road it’s still possible to be distracted.

“The mental distraction is called an inattention blindness which has been known for sometime and what it essentially means is that drivers can miss what is right in front of them if they are so distracted by what’s going on in their brain,” says Carlson.

Joelyn Hansen with the Idaho Falls Police Department urges drivers to pay attention and be alert of what’s going on around them.

“Distracted driving however is 100 percent preventable,”says Hansen.

Carlson says that hands-free technology is a safer but this study challenges the idea that we can drive safely with it.

The study tested six different systems on a five point scale. The results showed that Toyota’s hands-free system was the least distracting scoring a 1.7 and Chevy’s was the most distracting a 3.7.

This is the second of a three part study. The University of Utah expects to release even more information within the next year.