A fully voice-activated phone - Can receive and make calls by voice commands. - Phone can be left in pocket or on dashboard, does not have to be mounted. - Mostly only on business-style phones with full keyboard. - Examples: Blackberry, Nokia E63, Nokia E71. Price: $700 and up.
A voice-activated hands-free kit - Most clip on to a car's sun visor. - Can receive and make calls by voice commands. - Requires phone with Bluetooth wireless connectivity. - Phone can be left in pocket or on dashboard, does not have to be mounted. Price: $80 to $230.
Earpiece - Can receive calls if there is a button on the earpiece. - Cannot make calls unless used with a car cradle. Price: Often comes free with phone.
Wireless earpiece - Can receive calls by pressing a button on the earpiece. - Most cannot make calls unless used with a car cradle. - Requires phone with Bluetooth wireless connectivity. - Phone can be left in pocket or on dashboard, does not have to be mounted. Price: $50.
Phone in car cradle Can receive and make calls by manipulating phone "infrequently and briefly". Dialling a full phone number is okay. Must talk over phone's loudspeaker or an earpiece. Price: $30.
Drivers CANNOT:
Touch a phone if it is not mounted - Including for uses other than making dalls, eg texting, listening to music or using a satellite navigation system. - The rules apply even while stopped at a red light. - The rules do not apply to music players, such as iPods, and other devices that do not have a phone function.
Most popular handsfree kits:
Blueant Supertooth III - Noise cancelling and dual microphones and speakers for better sound quality. - Accurate voice recognition. - 2 year warranty. Price: $230
Parrot Minikit Slim Handsfree - Noise cancelling and dual-microphones and speakers for better sound quality. Price: $80
DSE Bluetooth Handsfree Car Kit - Noise reduction. Price: $80
1st NOV 09, Ban on Texting and using Hand Held Cell Phones while driving
Political parties and cell phone companies are welcoming a ban on texting and using hand-held cell phones while driving.
Even
the Act Party, which has been a strong opponent of government
interference in people's lives, is supporting the move announced by
Transport Minister Steven Joyce on Thursday. Under
changes to the Land Transport (Road User) Amendment Rule effective from
November, drivers who ignore the rule will face an $80 fine and 20 demerit points.
The ban comes in changes to the Land Transport (Road User) Amendment Rule.
"There
are a lot of other distractions while driving but hand held mobile phone
use has grown to become a significant problem," Mr Joyce said.
Texting and driving, in particular, is a total no brainer."
According to statistics supplied by Mr Joyce, there were 25 fatal crashes and 482
injury crashes between 2003 and 2008 where the use of a cellphone or
another mobile device was a factor.
The
ban will not cover hands-free devices or two-way radio, and there will
be an exemption for 111 calls made in emergency situations.
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