What is the safest way to use a cellular phone while driving?

Using hands-free devices is considered the safest way to use a cellular phone while driving because it allows the driver to keep both hands on the steering wheel. This is crucial for maintaining control of the vehicle and ensuring that the driver can react quickly to changing road conditions. Hands-free technology enables drivers to make or receive calls without taking their eyes off the road or their hands off the wheel, significantly reducing the risk of distractions associated with manual phone handling.

While options such as keeping the phone within easy reach or reviewing the number before answering aim to minimize distraction, they do not address the fundamental issue of maintaining control of the vehicle. Answering calls only when stopped is certainly a safer alternative but may not be practical in all situations, such as in heavy traffic where pulling over is not an option. Therefore, utilizing hands-free devices strikes the best balance between communication and safety while driving.