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Road Safety
Avoid “Hands-Free” Devices
Although use of a telephone equipped with a “hands-free” feature is permitted, it is not a risk-free option. The added risk that a cell phone represents applies as much to a “hands-free” system as to a receiver, because the mental activity has nothing to do with the type of device that is in use.
It is not so much the handling of the device that poses the problem, but the telephone conversation itself, since a cell phone is a greater cognitive distraction than a physical distraction. The distraction related to a cell phone conversation is present nonetheless, even if a driver has both hands on the wheel.
Use of a cell phone when driving is therefore strongly discouraged, even if you have a device with a hands-free function.
Nonetheless, if a cell phone is used in “hands-free” mode, the device should be firmly secured in a holder to avoid any need for handling while driving. Use of a holder does not eliminate the need to touch the device to take a call or dial a number. The viewing of information on the cell phone screen or wireless information device, however, should not become an additional distraction. This type of use may also violate provisions of the Highway Safety Code (section 439) regarding display screens or television sets in vehicles (French only).
A device should be placed in a firmly anchored holder and in a location where the driver's view is not obstructed. It is important to ensure that driving movements are not affected, that placement of the device does not interfere with or reduce the operation of equipment (such as an airbag) and that it does not pose a risk of injury in the event of an accident.
Devices equipped with Bluetooth wireless technology or any other device that can be attached to the ear are authorized, as well as voice recognition devices. Use of a headset with a “hands-free” device is permitted (with or without a microphone) provided the headset has only one earphone so that the driver can continue to hear the sounds of surrounding traffic.
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