hands free does not mean accident free

i was always skeptical of the claim that hands free cell phone car kits would be 'safer'. the act of participating in a phone conversation was the primary problem, not the fact that a hand was engaged in the act.

findings from an australian study (via the register) suggest those engaged in a cell phone conversation are 4 times as likely to have an accident than those who are not--regardless of hands free kit.

In fact, it could make the situation even worse.
"Although this may lead to fewer hand held phones used while driving in the future, our research indicates that this may not eliminate the risk," warn the researchers.
"Indeed, if this new technology increases mobile phone use in cars, it could contribute to even more crashes."