Calls on the move made safer

Mar 7 2008 By Peter Jenkinson

Bluetooth devices that help you stay in control behind the steering wheel

It is just over a year ago now that the penalties for using a hand-held phone while driving increased - yet drivers are still flouting the law.

According to research carried out by You Gov on behalf of Plantronics, more than 40 per cent of those who use mobile phones while driving do so illegally - without a hands-free device risking not only a fine and points on their licence but the chance of a jail sentence, according to recent new guidelines.

Recent TV campaigns have tried to highlight the dangers but it is the 25 to 34-year-olds who admit to making the most calls while driving and without hands-free.

But with such a plethora of options on offer there are simply no excuses. Here's our selection of some practical and stylish solutions.

Apple iPhone headset

£79.99 at www.carphonewarehouse.com An ultra simplistic yet uber stylish design as you might well expect from the company that keeps pumping out svelte-like electronics.

Asingle button on the side lets you make and take calls and the kit comes complete with a dual dock so you can charge your earpiece and mobile at the same time.

Bluetrek BiZZ

£39.99 at www.bluetrek.com This three-in-one number is an interesting attempt to offer more than just handsfree calling from a headset.

Remove the headset's speaker cover and indeed transform your BiZZ into a USB key.

Although there's no actual memory storage on the device (you'll need your own MicroSD card) it's something we expect to see soonish.

Blackberry HS655

£63.99 at www.carphonewarehouse.com Packed with cutting-edge technology from Plantronics, this set delivers crystal clear communication and superb sound quality with its fancy Digital Signal Processing technology.

People will think you're in the office even when making calls from the coffee shop.

Invisio G5

£69.99 at www.carphonewarehouse.com It's not in the McWhirter bible yet, but I have no argument with claims of the G5 being the smallest Bluetooth headset out there.

It has an impressive 20 hour talktime and it comes complete with a protective carrying/charging case. It is worn "in ear" so there is a chance people will think you're talking to yourself and cross the road.

Jabra JX10

£86.66 at www.pcwb.com This award-winning headset has the hands-on help from the legend that is Jacob Jensen and for those looking for extra bling there is a gold plated version available.

Complete with a stylish charging cradle and carry pouch, the Jabra can be worn with or without its earhook and offers a high-end handsfree solution.