Hands Free Accessories to Make Your Ride Smoother

As more states ban the use of handheld cell phones for motorists in transit, the need to go hands-free or completely wireless is becoming evident. The fact of the matter is that driving while fiddling with a phone or other similar electronic device can be downright dangerous.

While no states completely ban the use of cell phones while driving, some have made it illegal to talk while holding on to the devices. Handhelds, for example, have long been banned in places like New York, California and New Jersey. In some states, teens are not permitted to talk on any type of phone while driving. Texting, too, is fast becoming a big no-no. Bus drivers caught talking on handheld cell phones while transporting children can also find themselves in a world of trouble in a number of different states.

The exact penalties attached to cell phone laws can vary from state to state. In some areas, for example, talking on a handheld cell phone is technically legal, but if a driver breaks the law while doing so, it can add up to an extra charge.

So, how can drivers work within the law and keep their current cell phones?

When it is time to improve safety without having to forego the use of a phone or other gadget, there are tools out there that can help.

There are a number of hands free devices to transform gadgets that would otherwise be held during use. These are becoming more and more popular as more states consider anti-handheld laws. Not only can they help motorists follow the letter of the law in most states, but they can increase the likelihood that drivers will keep hands on the wheel and eyes on the road.

Some of the items out there for use today include:

Cell phone mounts - These provide a place to dock a phone while driving. They simply enable drivers to set a phone to speaker mode so they can talk while keeping both hands on the wheels.

Bluetooth headsets - When used in conjunction with cell phone mounts, these headsets can be incredibly powerful devices. They provide a wireless connection between the phone and headset so the driver is free from visual obstructions while in transit. Plus, they can make conversations easier to hear than basic speaker mode.

iPhone docking stations - These devices can help turn iPhones into driver friendly device. Not only can they enable an easier use of the phone, but they can also make playback of stored music audible throughout a vehicle.

Going hands free is becoming the rule of the road in many states. This does not mean drivers cannot have access to their cells for emergency use or other purposes. What it does mean is that standard devices need to be altered a little to fit into the letter of the law. There are ways to make this happen, but drivers still do need to exercise good judgment. Distracted driving is to blame for a large percentage of traffic infractions and crashes. Going hands-free can help lessen the distraction, but it is believed by many that even the act of talking can impair ability behind the wheel. With this in mind, it is best to keep distractions at a minimum even when using hands-free devices.