Hands-free phones as distracting as hand-held, report says

File photo / Wanganui Chronicle

Using a hands-free phone to comply with a new ban on using a cellphone while driving is as distracting as using a hand-held phone, Consumer magazine says.

The ban, as part of new road rules under the Land Transport (Road User) Amendment Rule 2009, took effect on November 1.

Those caught breaking the law face $80 fines and 20 demerit points on their driving licence.

Drivers can still use hands-free devices and two-way radio under the ban. There is an exemption for 111 calls.

Consumer magazine trialled a wired earpiece, Bluetooth headsets, Bluetooth speakerphones and a phone cradle to determine the best way to make and receive phonecalls under the new law.

Its test found holding a conversation on any of the hands-free kits was distracting - especially when dialling a number while driving.

"It took our attention away from navigating intersections, parking, changing lanes - not to mention cyclists, pedestrians, and other cars doing strange things," the magazine said.

"Using a hands-free phone wasn't any different from using a hand-held one."

The wired earpiece was the easiest to use, but voices sounded muffled, while the Bluetooth headsets didn't feel stable against the ear and voices sounded muffled, crackly and faint, the magazine said.

Bluetooth speakerphones didn't respond very well to New Zealand accents when attempting to voice-dial, and had distorted sound.

Trying to dial on the phone while in the cradle was distracting, and mistakes were made while dialling.

The magazine said it was sensible to pull over and stop before making a call - even with voice-recognition dialling and a hands-free phone.

Police reported few incidents of motorists being caught on hand-held phones in the days after the ban came into force.

National road policing manager Superintendent Paula Rose said although officers have been instructed to use discretion as motorists adjusted to the ban, that should not be taken to mean a free-ride period for dangerous practices.

Police were initially focusing on educating drivers rather than punishing them.

- NZPA