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Phoning behaviour

Is handsfree phoning better?

Although handsfree phoning involves less physical distraction, it does not exclude the greater danger: cognitive distraction. Nor has handsfree phoning any significant advantages above handheld phoning. Although public opinion tends to regard the use of a mobile phone while driving as being dangerous, and regards measures to restrict it as being essential, many people consider the use of handsfree telephones not to be dangerous. In the Netherlands in April 2002, handheld phoning was made illegal. Since then the number of fines has increased to about 120,000 in 2005. We estimate that a total prohibition of phoning while driving could save nearly 600 deaths and in-patients per year.