Index IntroductionDistracted DrivingIs Hands-Free Texting Safer?Should Hands-Free Texting Be Banned?ConclusionIntroductionWith the advancement of technology, the prevalence of distracted driving has increased, especially with the rise of texting while driving. This behavior poses a significant risk to the driver, other motorists and pedestrians. According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2016), distracted driving causes over eight deaths and more than a thousand injuries per day (para. 1). While hands-free devices and automatic replies have been introduced to prevent texting while driving, additional precautions are needed to ensure drivers refrain from this dangerous behavior. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay Distracted Driving The use of electronic devices, especially cell phones, diverts the driver's attention from the task at hand, which is driving and being aware of the road and surroundings. Texting, in particular, takes the driver's hands off the steering wheel, significantly increasing the risk of accidents. Texting while driving affects all three skills essential for safe driving: cognitive, manual and visual. It's worth noting the correlation between younger drivers and their inclination towards texting and using electronic devices. The prevalence of this behavior among young drivers contributes significantly to the likelihood of accidents. A recent survey of national representatives found that nearly 70 percent of drivers between the ages of sixteen and twenty-five admitted to texting while driving, compared to just 14 percent of all respondents. Furthermore, young passengers often fail to recognize the importance of reporting such incidents (Mayhew, Robertson, Brown, & Vanlaar, 2013, p. 1). The safety of hands-free texting is often underestimated due to the relatively new technology of car voice controls and other hands-free devices. As a result, research on the topic is limited. However, it's critical to recognize that texting hands-free while driving can also lead to distractions and potential accidents. Therefore, to address this road safety issue in the public health context, it is necessary to examine previous research on hands-free texting to identify the root of the problem. Is hands-free texting more secure? While most studies on driving and texting have primarily focused on cell phone distractions, they provide valuable insights into the effects of distractions in general and the use of specific hands-free texting devices. For example, a Canadian study conducted in Calgary involving experienced and inexperienced drivers revealed that visual scanning while using the phone was significantly impaired due to distraction. Notably, novice drivers using cell phones did not decrease their speed, while experienced drivers tended to slow down to improve their attention to their surroundings. Additionally, novice drivers using cell phones showed increased lane wandering. Experienced drivers experienced delayed responses and reactions when on the phone, similar to novice drivers (Chisholm, Caird, Lockhart, Teteris, & Smiley, 2006, p. 2354). Although extensive research has been conducted on driving and texting, few studies have focused on hands-free devices as secondary tasks are often overlooked as.