Georgia has enacted HB 673, otherwise known as the Hands-Free Act. It prohibits drivers from holding or supporting their telecommunication devices with their hands or any parts of their body. Here’s some different ways, apps and devices that can help you drive hands-free safely and easily.
BLUETOOTH-ENABLED VEHICLES, HEADSETS, SPEAKERPHONES
Many cars have Bluetooth integrated in their system, so all you have to do is connect your phone via the settings or options menu. Once enabled, you can use your car’s speaker system and microphone to answer phone calls while driving. If you don’t have Bluetooth on your car, you can use a Bluetooth headset or a Bluetooth adapter that can plug into your car’s cigarette lighter. The adapter lets you stream your music and calls from your phone into the car’s sound system. You can find one of these gadgets for about $17.99 on Amazon. Another choice would be a Bluetooth car kit, seen here. You can even purchase a two-way in-car Bluetooth speaker that clips on to your sun visor, connects to your phone and acts as a hands-free speakerphone.
CAR MOUNTING GADGETS
Want to keep your phone close by while driving? Use a Phone Holder that either attaches to your vehicle’s dashboard or to the windshield. Click on the following links to look at Amazon products or view the 7 best car mounting gadgets. You can purchase some phone holders for as little as $5 at places like Wal-Mart.
LITTLE TO NO PURCHASES NECESSARY
Use the earbuds that come with your phone. They normally have microphones on them, so just put one earbud in one ear and you’re good to go. Safe and legal!
If you have a newer car, most of them have in-car options and can connect to your phone for hands-free calls, texts, GPS, etc. The microphone is installed in your wheel and you can hear calls from your car’s speaker system. Just plug in your phone using an AUX cord or connect via Bluetooth.
Put your phone on Do Not Disturb to limit any distractions. Apple devices usually have a Do Not Disturb While Driving feature under the Settings, while Androids and Window phones have a Driving Mode. It’ll block any incoming calls or notifications for later.
Remember you are allowed to adjust GPS navigation and dial phone numbers as long as the phone is being supported by something other than your body. Just no texting, social media, answering emails, changing songs within a streaming app, etc. Try to limit the amount of times you touch your phone and you should be good.
Hope this helps with your transition into driving hands-free safely and smartly.
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