> That's as dangerous as driving while (slightly) drunk, and "hands-free" devices don't make much difference, if any.
I don't care—I'm willing to take that risk. For me it's better because I'm a super aggressive driver when I'm focusing solely on the road. Talking to somebody (or listening to someone talk) distracts me just enough so that I'm not super competitive—I'm happy to slide over to the right and go the speed limit in the slow lane.
> Conversing with a person who is actually present in the car with you is also distracting, but in that situation you also gain some safety by virtue of having another pair of eyes watching for danger, so it's more of a wash.
I highly doubt that. The other person may add more eyes but they have no control. I can't think of a single situation where back seat driving has actually helped me avoid an accident.
I don't care—I'm willing to take that risk. For me it's better because I'm a super aggressive driver when I'm focusing solely on the road. Talking to somebody (or listening to someone talk) distracts me just enough so that I'm not super competitive—I'm happy to slide over to the right and go the speed limit in the slow lane.
> Conversing with a person who is actually present in the car with you is also distracting, but in that situation you also gain some safety by virtue of having another pair of eyes watching for danger, so it's more of a wash.
I highly doubt that. The other person may add more eyes but they have no control. I can't think of a single situation where back seat driving has actually helped me avoid an accident.