Huddersfield charity Brake makes new call for hands-free phones ban

Apr 1 2010 by Sam Casey, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

HUDDERSFIELD road safety charity Brake said new research proves the need to ban drivers from all mobile phone usage.

The University of Utah has published research showing 97.5% of motorists performed worse while using a hands-free phone.

Ellen Booth, Brake campaigns officer, said: “The evidence is overwhelming – using a hands-free or hand-held phone while driving is dangerous, full stop.

“It’s time that our politicians took note and put an end to the ridiculous situation where using a hand-held mobile is banned, but using hands-free isn’t.

“Using a hands-free phone isn’t safer than using a hand-held because it’s the conversation that’s the distraction.”