Is Hands-Free Texting While Driving Dangerous?

Governor Jerry Brown has signed legislation that lets motorists text while driving, but only if it’s hands-free texting.

The Bay Citizen reported that Assembly Bill 1536 amends existing law, allowing drivers to use voice-operated text messaging, such as Siri on an iPhone:

 “if the person is using an electronic wireless communications device that is specifically designed and configured to allow voice-operated and hands-free operation to dictate, send, or listen to a text-based communication, and it is used in that manner while driving.”

According to MSNBC, California is the second state to allow hands-free texting.

Lt. John McCarthy said officers would continue a prevention campaign against distracted driving of all kinds.

"Our position would be that we're against anything that distracts the driver from the road or all the functions of driving a motor vehicle," he said. "That can be any use of a cell phone. Maybe hands-free texting can minimize distraction because your hands are on the wheel and supposedly you're paying attention to the road, but I think any involvement with your cell phone means you're not 100 percent paying attention to driving."

The typing variety of texting while driving can cost a driver a ticket of more than $100.  But doing anything while driving — anything other than paying full attention to the road — can cost a driver a lot more than $100. McCarthy said distracted driving had led to all sorts of injury collisions.

"If you need to text or take a call, I always say it's best to just pull over," he said. "Just stop, give yourself a few minutes to deal with it, and then go on your way."

What do you think about the bill? Do hands-free devices prevent distracted driving?