True or False: Hands-free cell phones are much safer than hand-held cell phones.

The assertion that hands-free cell phones are much safer than hand-held cell phones is deemed false because research has indicated that the cognitive distraction caused by phone conversations—regardless of whether the device is hands-free or hand-held—can significantly impair a driver’s attention to the road. It's not the act of holding the phone that poses the primary danger, but rather the mental workload and distraction that comes from engaging in conversation.

While hands-free devices may allow the driver to keep both hands on the wheel, they do not prevent the cognitive distraction associated with talking while driving. Therefore, the claim that a hands-free system offers a unequivocal safety advantage is misleading. Studies suggest that the distraction from the conversation itself can be just as dangerous as using a hand-held device, underscoring the fact that any type of phone use while driving diverts attention and increases the risk of accidents.