By Dan Ilett, 14 March 2005 09:20
NEWS
Bikers are now able to talk and ride by using a mobile phone headset for crash helmets, demonstrated by Italian hi-tech accessory company Cellular Line at the CeBIT trade show this week.
The headsets, which connect to a mobile phone by a wire, allow riders to answer the phone while wearing their helmets. It includes an answer/call button and fits onto the exterior of the helmet, usually on the left-hand side. The company claims this allows riders to answer calls and hang up in "complete safety".
In the UK, it is an offence to use a hand-held mobile when driving a car. This legislation, which came into effect in December 2003, did not outlaw the pressing of buttons on a mobile phone by a motorcyclist as long as they weren't actually holding the phone.
However, the Department of Transport has warned that "hands-free phones are also distracting and you still risk prosecution for failing to have proper control of a vehicle". Companies have been warned that they could face prosecution if they don't supply hands-free kits to staff that need them.
The headsets, which can be used with most helmets (full face, open face and flip-up), have audio capabilities at speeds up to 100km/hr.
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1. Trevor Coates
I think you missed something a little more innovative i.e. BMW Introduced this year a Bluetooth compatible helmet called System V. No wires and it also allows communication between pillion passenger and driver. Excellent and outstrips anything with "wires"....