Cell phone hands-free kit market value set to double

BANGKOK: -- The market value of cell phone hands-free kits is expected to double this year in the wake of the enforcement of the law banning mobile phones while driving on May 8, according to the Kasikorn Research Center.

The leading think tank said the law, which imposes a fine of 400-1,000 baht for violations, is helping to increase the market for mobile phone accessories.

It is expected the market value of cell phone hands-free kits -- particularly used by over more than 2 million drivers of personal cars in Bangkok would double to Bt2 billion this year.

It was originally projected that the market value of the accessories would increase by 50 per cent to Bt1.5 billion from Bt1 billion in 2007 in case the law is not enforced.

However, KRC said the sharp increase in the value is considered an initial estimate.

The actual market depends on many factors including efficient enforcement of the law, public education so that drivers know about the law, public awareness of possible damages from using mobile phones while driving, and social attitudes after the law is enforced.

KRC also forecast that competition in the mobile phone accessories market will intensify after the law is brought into force.

Price-cutting wars and a flurry of sales promotions are commonly seen in addition to development of the function and design of the accessories.

Also, it is expected that more mobile phone shops would turn to place cell phone hands-free kits for sale.

--TNA 2008-05-06

Cell phone hands-free kit market value set to double

BANGKOK: -- The market value of cell phone hands-free kits is expected to double this year in the wake of the enforcement of the law banning mobile phones while driving on May 8, according to the Kasikorn Research Center.

The leading think tank said the law, which imposes a fine of 400-1,000 baht for violations, is helping to increase the market for mobile phone accessories.

It is expected the market value of cell phone hands-free kits -- particularly used by over more than 2 million drivers of personal cars in Bangkok would double to Bt2 billion this year.

It was originally projected that the market value of the accessories would increase by 50 per cent to Bt1.5 billion from Bt1 billion in 2007 in case the law is not enforced.

However, KRC said the sharp increase in the value is considered an initial estimate.

The actual market depends on many factors including efficient enforcement of the law, public education so that drivers know about the law, public awareness of possible damages from using mobile phones while driving, and social attitudes after the law is enforced.

KRC also forecast that competition in the mobile phone accessories market will intensify after the law is brought into force.

Price-cutting wars and a flurry of sales promotions are commonly seen in addition to development of the function and design of the accessories.

Also, it is expected that more mobile phone shops would turn to place cell phone hands-free kits for sale.

--TNA 2008-05-06

Hey! This could be another TV enterprise!!!

Worth noting is that studies have shown that it's not the holding of a cellphone that is the issue, it's the focus on the talking. Ergo, using hands free, while making it slightly easier to drive, doesn't make you less likely to have higher reaction time while driving.

Worth noting is that studies have shown that it's not the holding of a cellphone that is the issue, it's the focus on the talking. Ergo, using hands free, while making it slightly easier to drive, doesn't make you less likely to have higher reaction time while driving.

Agreed.

Not many people have the brain power to do more than one thing at a time.

Worth noting is that studies have shown that it's not the holding of a cellphone that is the issue, it's the focus on the talking. Ergo, using hands free, while making it slightly easier to drive, doesn't make you less likely to have higher reaction time while driving.

Does this mean we shouldn't be allowed to talk with a passenger in the car because it might also affect our concentration?

Does this mean we shouldn't be allowed to talk with a passenger in the car because it might also affect our concentration?

That depends if you are the type of person who needs to be looking at the person you are communicating with - though I wouldn't have a conversation where I had to think alot when I am in control of any machinery.

I have used BT hands free whilst driving many times and have noticed my level of awareness as to what is happening around the vehicle is decreased during the call - now my response is to tell the caller that I am driving and will call them back.

Worth noting is that studies have shown that it's not the holding of a cellphone that is the issue, it's the focus on the talking. Ergo, using hands free, while making it slightly easier to drive, doesn't make you less likely to have higher reaction time while driving.

Does this mean we shouldn't be allowed to talk with a passenger in the car because it might also affect our concentration?

The studies did indicate that even conversations within the car can reduce the awareness of the driver. Or imagine having an argument with the wife and two screaming kids in the back...

Unfortunately, there is no law that will stop a wife from nagging on her husband...

No talking to callers, tell everyone in the car to shutup eh, thank goodness I had that karaoke system installed.

I just realized that call-in radio shows about the traffic situations might become very silent...