Experts are questioning the safety of hands-free text messaging technologies

Experts are questioning the safety of hands-free text messaging technologies that have become available to drivers the past few years. The devices  possibly skirt 34 U.S. and State laws that ban sending text messages while driving a vehicle

The producers of the systems insist that using them reductes drivers distraction, but experts want more analysis if the laws apply to the new technology.

The Governors Highway Safety Association pointed out that in addition to mobile phones, other communication devices such as DVD players, the Global Positioning System, access to social networking sites and satellite radio distracts motorists. The association stressed that driving is a complex task that requires driver attention and focus.

Text tech can be found in newer model Ford, BMW and General Motors vehicles which use a Bluetooth wireless connection with a mobile phone that reads text messages aloud. The driver, by tapping a touch screen, can reply with preset responses. The access includes Facebook statuses.

Another new device that is seen as a boon to drivers, but possibly a bane for safety experts is Apple’s newly launched iPhone 4S. The latest model of the device,  launched before Apple co-founder Steve Jobs died earlier this month, features a voice-activated personal assistant named Siri which could dictate text messages without typing.

Owners of the new gadget shared that they had successfully dictated emails and text messages while behind the wheels.

Besides iPhone’s Siri, there are downloadable applications such a Vlingo and Sensory that offer similar services on cellphones.

Among the reasons behind the popularity of these devices is the longer time drivers spend on the road because of gridlock which has doubled since 1982 to 34 hours a year. However, drivers in the Washington area average 74 hours lost per year due to traffic.

Despite the ban on texting while driving in the 34 states, surveys showed that 45 percent of drivers, aged 18 to 24, admit to not following the law.

A 2010 study by the Highway Loss Data Institute discovered than in four states where there is prohibition, crash rates actually went up indicating that motorists still do not follow the law against texting while driving.

Vittorio Hernandez – All Rights Reserved