[ticfarentibia]

CHENNAI: Scientists at the Indian Institute of Technology- Madras have urged all states to ban the use of mobile phones while driving after a study confirmed that talking on hands-free equipment was as risky as speaking on a handset.

A team from the department of engineering design at IIT-M asked volunteers to drive in a simulated environment and studied their reflexes. They used EEG ( electro encephalograph) to assess brain activity before and after the volunteers spoke on mobile phones using hands-free. The results showed that talking distracted drivers.

Many states don't even fine drivers for using mobile handsets while driving. Many drivers text, mail or speak on phones while driving. There is no data on the number of accidents caused due to the use of mobile phones in India, but studies from across the globe have shown that it reduces driving performance, according to Venkatesh Balasubramanian, lead author of the study.

IIT study shows risk of phone use on the road - The Times of India