The threat of distracted driving is apparent, especially among today’s youth. Many cell phone providers–including AT&T with their recent ‘It Can Wait’ campaign- have encouraged commuters to pull over before attending to their devices. Now society faces a new threat: hands-free devices.

2016 has brought many changes in technology and communication. One is a mass emergence of hands-free device kits for vehicle use–most connect to Bluetooth or another wireless server to sync with your vehicle, allowing you to use your device without having to operate it manually.

While the idea of hands-free is safe and satisfactory, evidence has shown that they could still be dangerous for those who use them.

As Wi-Fi has become a norm, most have no trouble ‘plugging’ into new technology and taking advantage of its many conveniences- answering phone calls, texting, searching the web, posting on social media, taking pictures. Anything handheld phones can do, hands-free devices do, too.

“My phone automatically connects to my car through Bluetooth,” senior Kayla Pilgram said. “I can answer calls without having to pick up my phone, and I like to stream music. I used to have an auxiliary cord that got tangled all the time.”

While searching for a way to promote practical driving habits, several states have passed laws prohibiting the use of handheld devices while on the road. As a result, drivers have resorted to what they believe is a safer alternative.

“Truck drivers are required by law to wear one [hands-free device],” Washington AT&T sales consultant Mike Garner said. “Some cars have Bluetooth capabilities if you connect to it with an auxiliary cord.”

Hands-free devices are marketed as a way to keep both hands on the wheel, but in reality, this safety enhancing feature could be causing a majority of the issues being reported. Several studies by the National Safety Council (NSC) and the American Automobile Association (AAA) have indicated that the voice-to-text system employed by hands-free devices is more distracting than sending messages by hand. Web surfing, programming a GPS and other functions can cause tunnel vision, altered reaction time and a decrease of awareness.

“Even though it’s ‘hands-free,’ I still get distracted sometimes,” Pilgram said, “like when I have to pick up my phone to switch songs.”

Mere seconds of distraction while driving can cause you to miss important things to watch for.

“No matter what you do- talk on the phone, listen to the radio, text–your concentration is not fully on the road,” school resource officer Doug Tollison said. “You’re distracted no matter what. You might miss sirens or a traffic light.”

Tollison believes road laws were established for one simple reason: to keep the public safe.

“It’s important to keep your eyes on the road at all times,” Tollison said, “in order to protect yourself and protect other drivers. Every driver has that responsibility.”

Though both share traits that enable them to be dangerous, Garner believes that the need for on-the-go products will increase the popularity of the hands-free device with the public.

“There’s always gonna be a need for ‘hands-free,’” Garner said. “It’s safer to keep both hands on the wheel. They’re [hands-free devices] multi-purpose and allow you to focus on the road rather than on pressing buttons on your phone.”

Tollison advises users to remain cautious with all types of technology in vehicles and to keep priorities in check on what can wait. It makes a difference not only for yourself, but for the commuters around you. It sets a strong example for future drivers.

“I would prefer you to not use either, but if you have to have a device in the car,” Tollison said, “I would suggest a hands-free device. They can still be distracting, but are safer than staring at a phone in your lap.”