Table of ContentsIntroductionDistracted DrivingIs Hands-Free Texting Safer?Should Hands-Free Texting Be Banned?ConclusionIntroductionWith the Advances in Technology, the Prevalence of Distraction Driving has increased, especially with the increase in texting while driving. This behavior poses a significant risk to the driver, other motorists and pedestrians. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2016), distracted driving causes more than eight deaths and more than a thousand injuries every day (paragraph 1). Although hands-free devices and auto-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 should not be banned”?Get the original essayDistracted DrivingThe use of electronic devices, especially cell phones, distracts drivers' attention from the task at hand , which involves driving and being aware of the road and surroundings. Texting, in particular, takes the driver's hands off the wheel, significantly increasing the risk of an accident. Texting while driving affects all three skills essential to safe driving: cognitive, manual and visual. Of note is the correlation between young drivers and their propensity to text and use electronic devices. The prevalence of this behavior among young drivers contributes significantly to the likelihood of accidents. A recent survey by national officials found that nearly 70 percent of drivers aged sixteen to twenty-five admitted to texting while driving, compared to just 14 percent of all respondents. Additionally, young passengers often do not realize 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 in-car voice controls and other hands-free devices. Therefore, research on the topic is limited. However, it's crucial to recognize that hands-free texting while driving can also lead to distractions and potential accidents. Therefore, to address this traffic safety issue in the context of public health, previous research on hands-free texting needs to be examined to identify the root of the problem. Is hands-free texting safer? Although most studies on driving and texting have focused primarily on cell phone distractions, they provide valuable information on the effects of distractions in general and the use of texting devices. Specific hands-free SMS. For example, a Canadian study conducted in Calgary with experienced and inexperienced drivers found that visual exploration while using a 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 increase their awareness of the surroundings. Additionally, novice drivers using cell phones showed increased lane wandering. Experienced drivers, when on the phone, experienced delayed responses and reactions, similar to novice drivers (Chisholm, Caird, Lockhart, Teteris, & Smiley, 2006, p. 2354). Although.