There has been a lot of press recently about the use of mobile phones when we drive and the danger associated with them is obvious. However many of the general public still fail to heed warnings by the police, politicians and safety groups about the severity of offence caused and the possible outcomes that may occur. Its fair to say the media attention has highlighted the issue of phone driving and increased the public’s general awareness. However is this enough? And what else can be done to help prevent deaths on our roads by phone drivers?

The obvious answer is to not use the phone while driving, sounds easy when suggested on paper, but many campaigns from government and local authorities seem to fail. The message is probably heard loud and clear at the time, but when deciding whether or not to take the call it seems to be forgotten quickly. Does this show the awareness campaign if failing or is there a deeper rooted problem within society?

The saturation of mobile phones in the UK is increasing year upon year, this trend has lead us to believing we need our phones to feel in “contact” with our social group or families, and often we feel lost without it. I know I do. Its perhaps this feeling of urgency that encourages us to answer even when we know we shouldn’t!!! The problem stretches far and wide, Its likely that you’ll see up to or more than 30% of road users making a call, if you were to sit and count vehicles passing by on any major local road.

One way to negate the problem of phone driving isn’t to stop drivers using the phone, but to make the experience safer and more convenient for them. Its fairly obvious to me that if the campaigns aren’t working perhaps we should try a new strategy!

Bluetooth car kits may provide the answer? Bluetooth car kits pair with your mobile phone to provide a wireless connection which allows you to answer the phone if and when your driving. The bluetooth kit is safer than physically answering and holding the mobile device, allowing you to drive with both hands available.

There’s a counter argument that the act of engaging in conversation distracts the mind from that task at hand. However this is somewhat of a null point as any number of factors may cause distractions. Like talking to passengers, listening to a radio station, checking on the kids etc. Is talking on the phone via bluetooth more hazardous than talking to a friend in the passenger seat?

Ultimately the responsibility lies with the driver, its down to him/her to gauge whether they are capable of performing both acts, however its fair to say the use of bluetooth certainly increases the safety of all road users at least.

Many people have had the experience of talking on a cordless or cell phone, and hearing snippets of another person’s conversation, a police radio, etcetera. Therefore, the concern over having someone eavesdrop on your conversation, or even steal data from your mobile phone, because you are using a Bluetooth device, is a legitimate one. However, these kits are designed so that doing so is extremely difficult for hackers.

Bluetooth kits utilize a common frequency for signal; the same frequency used by many mobile phones, cordless phones. However, even though it would seem as though Bluetooth devices would cause, or receive, a lot of interference because of this, the manner in which two Bluetooth devices are paired (or set up to discover and recognize each other) results in no interference. Bluetooth devices must be connected to one another, and once they are they establish a closed network of signal, which is very difficult to hack.

It is possible to take extra steps to protect yourself; if you set your phone and kit so that they are not “discoverable” by other Bluetooth devices, it is much more difficult for anyone who might want to steal your information to do so. Also, because Bluetooth devices operate on an extremely low-powered signal, which only has a diameter of about 30 feet, the likelihood that there is someone within 30 feet of you who is trying to steal the use of your phone is very low. So, despite the concerns of the ease of hacking wireless devices, the manufacturers of Bluetooth devices have safeguarded the technology against most opportunities to do so.

When the time comes to purchase a new Bluetooth hands-free car kit, the first priority is obviously to decide which model to purchase. Price varies, and some have far more features than others. However, once you have decided on the kit that works best for you, the next step is to decide where to buy it, and who should install it.

Most Bluetooth car kits come with an installation guide, which allows the consumer to install the kit himself. The process is fairly straightforward, and the manual walks the Bluetooth owner through the process, step by step (where to position the microphone, et cetera). Often the most tricky areas are routing the wires and positioning microphones. However, there are several important factors to take into consideration. One has to ensure that no part of the Bluetooth device blocks access to the mirrors, controls, gearshift, or any other parts of the vehicle used while driving. Also, some manufacturers consider the Bluetooth’s warranty null and void if a consumer installs the device by himself. This is only usually the case if any part of the kit is damaged during the installation.

The other option, of course, is to have a licensed and experienced technician install your Bluetooth kit. Always ensure that the person who installs your kit is familiar with your vehicle, and has worked on others like it in the past. The installer will be able to provide a guarantee that if the kit doesn’t work when tested, the problem will be fixed. (If it doesn’t work, some installation providers will refund the price of the kit, if you purchased it there, but not the cost of the installation labor.)

Bottom line: if you have done jobs like this before, and you are confident that installing the kit yourself, you should attempt installing it yourself, and save the extra charge. However, while it may cost more, having a licensed professional do the job is usually the better option.

Many studies have been completed, in an attempt to ascertain the safety of using a Mobile phone while driving. The outcome of most, if not all, of these investigations has proven that Mobile phone use is a significant contributor to the likelihood of being involved in a collision. For many, Bluetooth kits are the answer to that problem; the kits allow drivers to keep their hands on the wheel, and their eyes on the road, while having a conversation. But just how safe are these kits?

Bluetooth kits allow drivers to keep their hands and eyes focused on the task of driving while using their cell phone. However, the fact remains that while a driver’s senses may be focused on the road, a driver’s mind will most likely be focused on the phone conversation. Then by extension the driver is not fully concentrating. Therefore, while many Counties and towns are prohibiting the use of Mobile phones while driving, some are also considering banning the use of Bluetooth kits.

How much of a distraction is a Bluetooth kit, really? For those who need to use their phones while on the road for business purposes, a Bluetooth kit is a necessity, not a superfluous distraction. As many if not all drivers know distractions can come in many forms. Anyone who has driven with the radio on, or with passengers – especially children – knows that there are other aspects of driving which can be just as distracting, if not more so, than a phone call. A perfect example of this is the Satellite navigation systems on the market today. Many of which are now more detailed than ever before, offering more detailed maps and accurate positioning (Even to the point of the angle of your vehicle on the road). Drivers often rely on these products to navigate around specific areas and motorways. In doing so, often the driver’s concentration is on the navigation unit and not the road. So, while the desire to eliminate any unnecessary distractions behind the wheel is a legitimate one, it is unrealistic to think that it is possible to rid drivers of ALL distractions. It is also unrealistic to think that those who use their Mobile phones for business purposes will be willing to give up the ability to talk and drive, equally as with the need to navigate around the counties or country, Despite the potential consequences. As such, a Bluetooth kit is clearly and not only a safer option but a necessary option rather than using a handset while driving.

The Bury Bluetooth technology is one of the most complex in Bluetooth in-car kits on the market today. The three main kits – the CV9040, the CC9050, and the Burry CC9060 – feature touch-screens that allow the user to easily utilize the device’s various functions at a touch. The large display makes these kits easy to use on-the-go, and allows users to access various functions of their mobile phone – contacts, text messages, etcetera – without having to locate their handset, or take their eyes off the road to locate small buttons. Touch screens not your thing? That’s okay, the steering wheel-mounted remote controls for these models vary from a simple, 3-button version, to a full keypad, allowing you access to all of the kit’s functions, all while keeping both hands on the wheel. Various other functions of these models, such as text-to-speech software which allows the device to read text messages aloud in up to four languages, and the ability to automatically mute your car’s stereo when a call comes in, make these devices even more desirable for the savvy Bluetooth user.

While some may worry about positioning their Bluetooth device’s display, that’s not really an issue with these kits. The CV9040, for example, has the LCD screen built into a convenient and small flip-style device; the kit automatically rotates the display, so it can be positioned anywhere inside the car. With the other kits, the versatile and easy-to-use mounting bracket makes positioning the kit a breeze. It can be mounted on the car visor, the dashboard, windshield, et cetera.

Most people are aware of the advantages of having a Bluetooth headset – no more searching for the phone when it rings, you never miss a call, and using a Bluetooth while driving is far safer than using a handset. However, what are the differences between using a Bluetooth earpiece, and having an installed car kit? How would you decide which one to purchase?

The Bluetooth earpiece is inexpensive, and its functions are simple; for most earpieces, one button will dial the last number and answer calls, and then there are volume buttons. That’s it. Also, if you get out of the car for some reason – to pump gas, go into a store, et cetera – the earpiece goes with you, making it slightly more versatile than a car kit.

Bluetooth kits, on the other hand, have far more functionality. Many have voice-recognition software that allows you to dial a number or contact verbally; some will automatically mute your car radio when you have an incoming call; there are even models with touch-screens, or steering-wheel mounted remotes, which allow you to perform multiple functions without touching your mobile phone. Some models have text-to-speech functions that allow the driver to hear a received text message. You also don’t have to wear an earpiece.

Essentially, Bluetooth earpieces are a good choice, if you want simplicity, if money is an important factor, or if you want to be able to leave your car and continue using a hands-free device. However, Bluetooth kits are usually the better option, if what you’re looking for is functionality and style, along with convenience.
A Bluetooth Car Kit is a device that provides a safe and convenient way to communicate whilst driving. Your Phone can connect to the Car Bluetooth system and ensure you and other road users remain safe.

For anyone who is self-employed, or travels a lot for his or her job, a cell phone is a necessity. Missing calls while on the road is simply not an option for those who own their own business, or need to be contacted by employers or customers on a regular basis. With the creation of bylaws in many States / countys and towns prohibiting the use of cell phones while driving, a Bluetooth device is a necessity for those who use their cell phones on the road. Everyone has missed a call at some point while driving – whether because they can’t hear the phone ring, or because the phone falls under a seat or in another inaccessible location. Missing a call while driving can be a much bigger problem for self-employed people, or those who travel for work, than for the average person, who uses their mobile  phone only for personal purposes.

With a Bluetooth headset, the problems inherent with using a cell phone while driving are ameliorated, or eliminated. Missed calls are a thing of the past, because the Bluetooth device is always accessible, and audible. Users won’t have to worry about being pulled over and cited for using a phone while driving, because in most of the places where using a mobile phone is prohibited, Bluetooth devices are still allowed, because the driver can still keep his or her hands on the wheel while talking. Also, the chances of getting involved in a collision are lessened, because drivers’ reaction time is unimpeded with a hands-free device. And for those who spend a large portion of their time driving company vehicles, or their own commercial vehicles, anything that lessens the chances of a collision is certainly a benefit.
A Bluetooth Car Kit is a device that provides a safe and convenient way to communicate whilst driving. Your Phone can connect to the Car Bluetooth and ensure you and other road users remain safe.

The Roads in the UK are very dangerous, more and more vehicles are released on to them every year, as well as the millions of older vehicles already motoring. More people are learning to drive and people are staying on the roads for longer durations, whether it is through profession, leisure or convenience.

The problem that we face now is a craze that started at the time of the mass production of mobile phones. People have become dependent on phones ever since they were made mobile, especially when an incoming call is made. Obviously when driving it’s much more dangerous to be involved in a manual phone call, not only endangering the life of the driver but the lives of other road users.

The Danger comes two fold, firstly the act of physically removing your hands from the steering wheel, reducing the ability to react to any situation that may occur in front. Although many people think they are capable driving with effectively one arm studies show that driving performance is reduced significantly

The Second and more important problem occurs with braking eye contact from the road while looking for the mobile phone. Obviously while you aren’t looking what’s happening in front when driving you can’t react to anything that may happen. Significantly reducing the time in which the driver has to react. This is in most cases the more dangerous factor.

Several organisations and charities studying the effects of phone driving also suggest that people becoming too “involved” in the conversation may cause an accident, however there will be many occasions that the driver may become involved in an aspect or activity other than driving that may cause an accident.

The solution to this problem is the use of a Bluetooth Car Kit, Parrot are the market leaders in the field however other products are available. Bluetooth car kits enable you to connect your mobile phone through the car audio system wirelessly so you can make and receive calls, text messages and now more modern kits allow music streaming, iPod connections and voice recognition.

Using a Bluetooth kit reduces the two most significant dangers while phone driving, the easy answer / hang up functions means you don’t have to remove your hands from the wheel, and your eyes can remain on the road while you use the phone.The invention of the Bluetooth kits definitely improves driver safety when using the phone, and parrot continues to lead the way!
A Bluetooth Car Kit is a device that provides a safe and convenient way to communicate whilst driving. Your Phone can connect to the Car Bluetooth and ensure you and other road users remain safe.

In Car Network is growing… It gets larger and stronger by the month and this month is no exception.

The latest addition to In Car Network’s group of websites is Bluetooth Car Kit Direct. Built around a similar idea to the hugely impressive iPod Car Kit Direct. It aims to bring bluetooth car kits direct to consumers at HUGELY discounted prices with a service that nobody else can match.

One of the main features of Bluetooth Car Kit Direct is that we have packages which enable you to purchase the item AND have it installed at your home. All at the click of a button. The installation AND the items are covered with parts and labour cost so there is no need to worry about future installation and uninstallation costs should the item develop a fault.