To the editor:

I am prompted to write due to the headline “Hands free communication makes driving safer”. In fact, virtually all studies done on the subject indicate that hands-free makes no difference in accident rates, and at least one major study indicated that hands-free actually made people less safe by giving the driver the ability to go faster and handle the car with both hands, whereas while holding the phone they were more cognizant of the fact that they had to be careful maneuvering.

It is the brain that needs to be engaged in driving, not the hands, and even though we may think we are good at multitasking, the fact is research proves otherwise. Please do not promote this false notion.

Don W. Hodson
Marion