Growing technology makes it easier to stay connected 24/7, which makes our super-connected world go round. But this constant connectivity can cause problems - scariest of which is the danger of distraction. We all know we probably shouldn’t be chatting on the phone or texting away while driving, but it’s all too apparent that for some reason, people just can’t follow these simple rules. The latest in the disappointing world of distraction-driven disasters? The Los Angeles Metrolink train that killed twenty five people when it ran a red light. Although the train company has rules prohibiting the use of wireless electronic devices, it is suspected that the engineer may have been texting a group of teenagers aboard the train, causing him to miss the signal.

MSNBC ran an article this morning with some interesting information on the subject:

  ’“The prevalence of driving while distracted can be attributed to technology and our societal mindset to be available at all times,” said Nationwide Insurance earlier this year, after doing a survey about the problem.’

Several states are working to outlaw DWD (driving while distracted), but as we can see, a law may not make much of a difference. As of right now, only five states have banned text-messaging while driving: Alaska, Louisiana, Minnesota, New Jersey and Washington state, as well as the District of Columbia. Seven other states; New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Massachusetts, Nevada and Delaware, have bills pending that would ban text messaging by all or specific segments of drivers.

So how do you do your part to decrease the problems and effects of DWD?

1. Don’t text, email, dial, or IM. It seems counterintuitive that we’d even need to say it, but anything that involves using one or both hands to push itty-bitty buttons and the brain-power required to type out a sentence or two on a non-standard or tiny keyboard is going to add a significant degree of danger to your driving.

2. Two hands on the wheel & Eyes straight ahead. If you can’t keep yourself off the phone for the commute, make sure you’re equipped to talk as safely as possible. Invest in a headset or car kit that will allow hands-free conversation and touch-of-a-button controls for answering calls. Higher end headsets, matched with the right phone, even allow hands free dialing - a function that allows you to dial a number simply by stating the contact’s name.

• Corded Headsets: The least expensive option for going hands-free, a corded headset will allow easy answering of calls at a minimum price. With headsets as low as $20, many do double duty as a stereo headset that enables private listening to your cell phone’s music.

• Bluetooth Headsets: A versatile option, a Bluetooth headset will keep you wireless, hands-free, and connected at all times. With a wide variety of the newest Bluetooth headset, Gammoth’s Customer Support will help you find the headset that fits your needs. Whether you want the newest and coolest Jawbone 2, or need a high quality headset that will withstand some wear-and-tear, we’ll help you find the Bluetooth that’s best for you.

• Stereo Bluetooth Headsets: My personal favorite- a Stereo Bluetooth headset provides the maximum in music-listening experience and also keeps you connected with phone taking and making capabilities. Many headsets have call placement, reception, and volume buttons built right in, and all will ensure you don’t miss any calls while listening to your favorite music.

• Bluetooth Car Kits: If you’ll only need hands-free capabilities in the car, one of the easiest and highest-quality options is to have a car kit installed. While this method of going hands-free is a little pricier, it’ll pay for itself when you realize it’s ease of use and supreme sound quality, as a Bluetooth Car Kit can use your vehicle’s speakers to transmit your conversation.

• Bluetooth Speakers: The same concept of the Bluetooth Car Kits - high quality speaker use of your phone when in a certain area, but less of a commitment. Cheaper, portable, and without the necessity of installation, a Bluetooth Speaker is perfect for someone who likes to be on speaker phone (or who hates having a pesky little earbud on them) but isn’t sure they want to be confined to the car.

Whatever your hands-free choice is, make sure you make one. While the cost and time investment of getting a Bluetooth product may at first seem daunting, think of the safety you are gaining in exchange. There’s no doubt you’ll decide it’s worth it.

On July 1, California jumped on the cell phone ban-wagon and had media hype and police enforcement fully supporting the ban.  Californians set out to get their Bluetooth headsets and devices in order to make them more “law abiding” and in the first week of the law, police issued several tickets but also saw many people complying with the law.  Now it’s been three months since the initial rush and people are starting to take a more “lax” approach to the law.  Check out some of these statistics —

• California Highway Patrol (CHP) wrote fewer than 1,000 tickets in the Bay Area the first week the law was in place
• In the last week of August, the CHP issued more than 3,000 tickets
• Since the law has been in effect, the CHP has issued roughly 15,000 tickets — this number does not include what city officers cite
• In comparison, New York City Police Department (NYPD) issued over 250,000 tickets pertaining to this ban in 2007
• The first offense typically cost the driver around $100

What These Numbers Mean — And What You Can Do About It

The numbers are pretty self-explanatory and describe the situation many states found themselves in after enacting the law.  People were scared and “prepared” at first, but once time passed, people found themselves gabbing away with one hand on the wheel.  People’s excuses are:  I never thought I’d get caught.  It was my boss calling.  I was only talking for a few seconds.  And while these answers may be true, it is always better to be on the safe side.  While you may not agree 100 percent with the law, just give it a chance.  It makes sense if you think about it.  If you have two hands-on the wheel as opposed to one, you are more than likely going to be a safer driver.  Simple as that.

Get a Bluetooth Today!

Bluetooth technology is emerging and soon, wireless connections are going to be the “only way.”  Whether you choose a Bluetooth headset like a Jawbone or Motorola H12, or a Bluetooth Car Kit like the BlueAnt Supertooth Light or the Bury Technologies Car Kit, you will find yourself at peace-of-mind by using this innovative technology.  So go find yourself a Bluetooth today … and just follow the law! 

Wires have always been a big hassle.  Whether you have fifty wires behind that computer device of yours or you’re still using a corded phone, you know that wires can be dangerous.  I remember when I was young and my parents would walk around the kitchen pulling that corded phone as far as it could go.  My siblings and I always had to be alert because if we were caught off guard, my head would be lashed.  Those were the days, but what if we didn’t have to worry about wires anymore?  What if wires were something of the past?  What if wires could be history?  Well, they can be erased from your memory thanks to Bluetooth technology.  And the newest thing to go wireless … your music.

Enjoy Your Music Wirelessly with a Bluetooth Stereo

Bluetooth technology is truly changing lives.  Now with the hands-free driving laws, many people in California are quickly learning how easy this technology is to use, and how convenient it is too.  With a Bluetooth stereo, you can wirelessly listen to your music transmitted from other Bluetooth enabled technology.  You just pair the two devices together (just like a phone and Bluetooth headset) and bingo bango, it works like a charm.  Check out some different options for Bluetooth stereo devices from Bluetooth stereo headsets to a Bluetooth stereo boombox.

Sony VAIO Wireless Digital Bluetooth Stereo 

With a Sony VAIO Bluetooth Stereo, you can stream your music collection throughout your home by just connection, wirelessly of course, to your music collection on your personal computer.  With built-in speakers and the latest wireless technologies, the VAIO allows you to carry your music from room to room seamlessly.  No hassle, no wires.  Just music.

BlueAnt X5i Bluetooth Stereo Headset  

The BluetAnt X5i Bluetooth Stereo headset is a portable multi-function device utilizing the latest cutting edge technologies allowing you to stream high quality music and make voice calls using a mobile phone, pda, or computer — without wires attached to the headset.  Connect directly to A2DP compatible phones and computers or utilize the supplied BlueAnt Audio Streamer to connect to any MP3 player, iPod or DVD and stream music directly to your headset while answering calls from a phone.  With a detachable microphone, USB and AC charging options, the BluetAnt X5i is complete mobile communications accessory for people who require wireless freedom.

Altec Lansing T515 Bluetooth Stereo  

Altec Lansing is consistently known for making great quality products.  These Altec Lansing T515 Bluetooth speakers are no exception to the rule.  The unique design of these Bluetooth speakers will improve bass and stereo separation, as well as overall volume.  Also includes up to seven hours of battery life and the input jack makes it easy to connect a second device (MP3, CD or DVD player).