Bluetooth Headsets: solution to distracted driving?

A lot of people can't control the urge to use their cell phones when they drive, and distracted driving is quickly becoming the leading cause of serious automotive accidents. If you are one of those who can't resist the urge or you have an important call, your best course of action its pull to the side of the road, and avoid the possibility of causing an accident. We know that's not always going to be an option, so perhaps you should invest in a Blutooth hands-free device. Here are a few you might consider:

Aliph Jawbone Era has great sound quality and can run apps. Even though the sound quality might be great, it can sometimes be muddy and unclear. Overall the Aliph Jawbone Era is more than a headset, it is a potential audio computerizing platform. You can find it online for around $129.99.

The Plantronics Voyager Pro HD has stellar sound quality and it is comfortable as well. The vocalyst service costs extra after the first year, and it may be larger than some people find comfortable. Aside from the size, it is extremely comfortable and comes with great sound quality, and can be found online for around $99.99.

The Blueant Q2 comes with accurate voice control, and it is also comfortable. Some may consider it expensive for its class, and their Android support has been considered flaky, but again, it has a comfortable fit, accurate voice control, and costs $99.99

The Motorola CommandOne has great voice quality, and has a companion Android App for text messege dictation. This is a great feature for people who rely on texting for communication, which is the top distracted driving complaint. The noise cancelation has been called subpar, but overall it is comfortable and has excellent sound quality, and costs $129.99.

DOT maps campaign against distracted driving

Washington— The U.S. Transportation Department is stepping up efforts to crack down on distracted driving, unveiling $2.4 million in federal support for pilot projects in California and Delaware.

Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood offered a strategy to address a "distraction epidemic." He outlined steps to pass more laws, address technology and crack down on texting. But LaHood said he will not call for a ban on hands-free calling unless research shows it makes sense.

LaHood urged carmakers to avoid adding unnecessary technologies to distract drivers.

"Distracted driving is an epidemic. While we've made progress in the past three years by raising awareness about this risky behavior, the simple fact is people are continuing to be killed and injured — and we can put an end to it," LaHood said.

[If you've been injured in an accident due to distracted driving, contact the Texas Injury Lawyers]

LaHood wants the remaining 11 states to ban texting behind the wheel. He also wants the auto industry to adopt guidelines for technology to reduce potential for distraction.

The Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers praised LaHood's focus, but said more work is necessary. "We need a single set of comprehensive guidelines that encourage hands-free, voice-activated controls like those systems available from automakers," spokeswoman Gloria Bergquist said.

The government is providing California and Delaware with $2.4 million of support for pilot programs that will examine whether increased police enforcement coupled with news media coverage can significantly reduce distracted driving. The Transportation Department in 2010 implemented programs in Hartford, Conn., and Syracuse, N.Y. Texting dropped 72 percent in Hartford and 32 percent in Syracuse.

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source: Detroit News (Shepardson, 6/8)