Perhaps there's one silver lining to battling the daily commute: you can stay productive and connected while behind the wheel – safely – thanks to today's "hands-free" technology.
After all, holding a cell phone up to your ear can be a major distraction to those driving, while texting on a phone is even worse because your eyes and thumbs are busy. Not only could you face a serious fine for breaking the law in your province, but worse, you might hurt yourself or others, or cause damage to your vehicle.
According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, two out of 3 people talked on the phone while driving in the past month, and one out of 5 admitted to texted while driving.
To ensure you and your loved ones remain safe – and as the late Jim Morrison famously sang, "with your eyes on the road and your hands upon the wheel" – the following are a number of products and suggestions worth considering for drivers who want to remain connected to friends, family or colleagues.
* While many might refuse the option, the safest thing to do is put away the mobile phone while driving. If tempted, turn it off and put it in a glove box, purse or jacket pocket.
* If you must talk on a mobile device while driving, use a hands-free solution. Most mobile phones include a wireless technology called Bluetooth, which lets you pair the device with a Bluetooth headset or speakerphone. Many car stereos and GPS navigation units also offer Bluetooth connectivity.
* Some prefer Bluetooth headsets, worn in the left or right ear, as someone beside you can't hear the other side of the conversation. Plus, when you get out of the vehicle, you can continue the conversation. A speakerphone is less private and you must stop the conversation when you exit the vehicle – but is a more ideal solution for those who don't want to wear a blue-flashing gizmo on their head.
* Some speakerphones give you the option to mount to a windshield or dashboard. The latter is preferred, though, as a suction cup might easily fall off the windshield -- and pose as a distraction while driving. Better yet, secure it to your visor as you'll sound clearer to the person you're speaking with. There are also rear-view mirrors you can install on top of your existing one that has a built-in Bluetooth speaker and microphone.
* If cash is tight, you can always use a wired headset that plugs into your smartphone. Check the box your phone came in and chances are it's in there. Otherwise you can pick one up for as low as $1 at your local dollar store. Just make sure it doesn't get caught in your seatbelt or it could pose as a distraction while driving.
* For your safety and the safety of others, never text and drive. This includes email, SMS (text messaging) and instant messaging (e.g. BBM). Yes, it can wait until L8TR. Some people use smartphone applications that can read messages aloud in a human-like voice. In some cases you can respond and the recipient will get an audio clip as an attachment or a transcribed recording of what you said (though accuracy can be an issue).
* Some vehicles have robust voice-powered options to keep your hands on the wheel. The 2012 Ford Focus, for example, with Sync technology, features more than 10,000 programmed voice-activated commands.
* For incoming calls, enter your mobile device's settings and choose "auto-answer." That way, your phone will answer right away when a call comes in and you won’t have to press a button while driving. Or simply let your voicemail take messages for you.
