Is it ever safe to use your phone while driving?

Using your phone while driving is considered inherently dangerous due to the potential for distraction, which significantly increases the risk of accidents. The focus required to operate a vehicle safely is compromised when a driver engages with their phone, whether it be texting, making calls, or even just handling the device. This distraction can lead to a slower reaction time or the inability to respond to hazards on the road.

While some people might argue that certain situations, like being at a red light or using a hands-free device, might mitigate risk, these scenarios still carry inherent dangers. For example, when at a red light, a driver might be distracted and not fully prepared to react when the light turns green. Similarly, hands-free devices may reduce the physical act of holding a phone but do not eliminate cognitive distraction, as the driver may still be mentally engaged with the conversation instead of fully focusing on driving.

Driving at lower speeds, such as below 20 mph, might seem safer, but it does not eliminate the risks associated with using a phone. Even at low speeds, the consequences of a distracted driving incident can be severe.

Thus, the safest course of action is to avoid using a phone altogether while driving, supporting the notion that it is never safe to use your phone behind