A new educational video produced collaboratively by Kier Group, Kier Foundation, and Nottingham Trent University is challenging a widely held belief among many drivers, particularly those within fleets and professional drivers, that hands-free mobile phone use is safer than using hand-held devices. Available on the Road Safety Trust website, the video aims to shift driver attitudes and behaviors by exposing the misconceptions that have led to the prevalent but flawed acceptance of hands-free phone use while driving. This initiative underscores the critical theme that, although legal, hands-free phone usage is just as distracting as hand-held calls, posing significant risks to road safety.
Educators and safety professionals have noted that the legality of hands-free phone use often leads to the dangerous assumption that it is inherently safe. However, the central thesis of this new educational effort is to debunk this myth and reveal that hands-free mobile phone use carries substantial risks. By changing the way drivers perceive hands-free devices, the initiative aims to encourage safer driving practices. Key points addressed in this educational campaign include the misperception that driving time is “dead time” that could be made productive through phone calls, as well as the mistaken belief that hands-free phone use is safe simply because drivers keep their eyes on the road and their hands on the wheel.
Legal Safety Myths and Their Consequences
One major falsehood this initiative aims to dismantle is the notion that because hands-free phone use is legal, it must be safe. This myth has pervaded much of public thinking and has greatly contributed to ongoing unsafe driving practices. Legal does not necessarily mean safe, and this fundamental misunderstanding can result in dire consequences. The educational video developed for this initiative clearly illustrates that the mental distraction involved in any phone conversation, whether hand-held or hands-free, can significantly impair a driver’s ability to react to road conditions and hazards.
The video cites empirical research to support its claims, showing that the cognitive load of engaging in a phone conversation while driving diverts mental resources away from the critical task of driving. This cognitive distraction can be as dangerous as physical distractions, such as manually interacting with a device. For fleet drivers and professional drivers, the need to constantly remain focused on road conditions and potential hazards cannot be overstated. Thus, properties that are often considered benefits of hands-free devices, such as freeing up the hands and maintaining eye contact with the road, do not mitigate the overarching cognitive distraction posed by such conversations.
Public Perception and Misunderstanding
Another important aspect the initiative challenges is the common perception that driving time is “dead time” or unproductive, thereby justifying the use of phone calls to maximize productivity. This mindset, although understandable, can prove hazardous as it encourages drivers to engage in distracting activities. Professionals who drive for work often feel the need to utilize driving time for making business calls, but this practice puts their safety and that of others at risk. The video produced by Kier Group, Kier Foundation, and Nottingham Trent University aims to shift this perception by educating drivers on the true consequences of distracted driving.
Moreover, the myth that hands-free phone use is equivalent to talking to a passenger is also addressed. Research shows that conversations with passengers are generally safer because passengers are aware of the driving context and can moderate the conversation accordingly. In contrast, callers on the other end of a phone conversation are unaware of the traffic situation and cannot provide such moderating influence. This significant difference further emphasizes that hands-free calls are not as benign as many believe and can indeed lead to dangerous driving behaviors.
Data-Driven Impact and Results
The collaborative effort involving Esitu Solutions and the Road Safety Trust has already yielded promising results. Data from testing the educational video revealed that viewers who watched the targeted content showed improved safety attitudes compared to those in a control group who watched unrelated road safety videos. Remarkably, 95% of the intervention group reported increased awareness of the risks associated with hands-free phone use while driving. Additionally, 80% of participants indicated that they would curtail or completely eliminate hands-free phone use during driving, signaling a significant shift in attitudes that could translate into safer driving behaviors.
Ray Webb, the senior insurance claims manager at Kier Group, emphasized the company’s long-standing policy against hands-free phones, which underscores their commitment to ensuring the safety of their workforce both on-site and during travel. This policy reflects a broader organizational understanding of the risks posed by hands-free devices and a proactive approach to mitigating these risks through education and strict safety protocols. Webb’s comments highlight the importance of such organizational policies in setting a standard for safe driving practices.
The Role of Research-Backed Education
A new educational video, created by Kier Group, Kier Foundation, and Nottingham Trent University, aims to debunk the common belief among fleet and professional drivers that hands-free mobile phone use is safer than hand-held. Available on the Road Safety Trust website, this video intends to change driver attitudes and behaviors, highlighting the flawed acceptance of hands-free phone use while driving. The initiative emphasizes that, although legal, hands-free phone usage is just as distracting as hand-held calls, posing significant risks to road safety.
Experts in education and safety have pointed out that the legality of hands-free phone use often results in the dangerous assumption that it is intrinsically safe. This new video’s core message is to dispel that myth, demonstrating that hands-free phone use carries considerable risks. By altering drivers’ perceptions of hands-free devices, the initiative seeks to promote safer driving habits. Key points addressed include the misconception that driving time is “dead time” that can be used productively for phone calls, and the mistaken belief that hands-free phone use is safe because drivers keep their eyes on the road and their hands on the wheel.
