The extensive growth in the wireless communications industry over the past ten years has been accompanied by growing concern for the potential hazards of drivers using wireless devices in moving vehicles. Safety regulators are worried that talking on the cell phone is just another distraction that must be added to the list of distracting factors while driving such as the listening or adjusting the radio, looking in the mirror, or eating. In response to concerns voiced by some public officials and members of the general public, some legislations have been

The benefit of increased safety for consumers are also enjoyed by the rest of society because they are perhaps the passengers of consumers, other drivers on the road, or pedestrians. Along with safety, a gain for the industry is a gain for the rest of society generally. Industries provide jobs and tax revenue. The cellular industry will gain from revenue for sales of ear pieces also, in the long-run we may see many new hands-free devices provided on the market. This new devices may be provided by current manufacturers or new ones but overall it may provide economic growth in output.

Suydam, Margot. "Legislation Boosts Support for Hands-Free Phone Use." CommVerge. Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information. September 01, 2001.

"Research Reveals Cell Phone Hazards." The Industry Standard. Copyright 2001 Industry Standard Communications, Inc. August 7, 2001.

Also, it may be relevant to point out that other countries throughout the world believe that there is a need to restrict or prohibit the use of a cell phone in vehicles. Europe, Australia, Brazil, Chile, Denmark, Germany, Greece, Italy, Japan, Poland, Romania, Portugal, Switzerland, and Spain all have some form of limits placed on the use of cell phones while driving. Many of these countries allow use with hands-free devices (Moore).

With the current available data, it is not possible to analyze the difference mandating hands-free devices will make. According to one cognitive study, the act of talking on a phone itself can impair the driver's ability. If we add that one hand is occupied by having to hold the phone , the picture probably won't get any better for cell phones and driving. Perhaps with more studies, we will find that hands-free devices alone cannot significantly reduce the danger of using a cell phone but as for now, many regulators are arguing that it is a first step to increasing the safety of the environment. Drivers will have both hands free to make necessary maneuvers in emergencies.

Besides political feasibility, overall, I believe this policy is good and should be enacted. It is a step in the right direction in creating a safer environment. Although studies do not suggest exactly how effective this policy may be in preventing accidents, it is due to the fact that in the past, traffic reports have not generally cited cell phones when it played a role in the accident. The recent concern has already sparked the efforts of many states and organizations to compile better data and more accurate accident reports. Some researchers are optimistic that with more data, they can find a correlation. At this point, it might be sufficient to say that it is merely a distraction that can be limited more easily than the numerous other distractions for drivers.

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