Many believe hands-free technology makes driving safe. Voice commands and Bluetooth calling do help drivers keep their hands on the wheel, but they do not completely remove distractions.
When drivers hold conversations or give commands to their devices, their mental focus shifts away from the road. This lack of attention can still lead to crashes, injuries, and legal responsibility.
Hands-free does not mean risk-free
Hands-free technology reduces physical distractions but not cognitive ones. A driver using voice commands to send a text or change a song must still think about the task. This mental effort takes attention away from the road. Studies show that even after a driver stops using a hands-free system, their brain remains distracted for several seconds. During this time, they may not react quickly to sudden changes in traffic, leading to accidents.
Another problem is a false sense of security. Many drivers assume hands-free devices allow them to multitask safely. They may use voice-to-text, make calls, or interact with in-car entertainment while driving. Even though their hands stay on the wheel, their focus drifts. This divided attention can slow reaction times and cause errors, especially in heavy traffic or poor weather conditions.
Liability still applies in distracted driving crashes
Drivers who cause accidents while using hands-free devices can still be responsible. New Jersey bans handheld phone use while driving, but this does not mean hands-free use is always safe. If a driver causes a crash because of letting themselves get distracted, they can still be at fault, even if they were using legal hands-free technology.
Police and insurance investigators look at all distractions when determining fault in an accident. If a driver was on a phone call or using voice-to-text command, this could be evidence of distraction. Witnesses may report seeing the driver talking or appearing inattentive before the crash.
Drivers must keep their full attention on the road to avoid accidents. If a driver who was using a hands-free device hits someone, that distraction may have contributed to the crash and made the person liable for damages to injured parties.