When is it acceptable to use a mobile phone while driving?

Using a mobile phone while driving is primarily about ensuring safety and minimizing distractions. The only acceptable scenario provided in the choices is using hands-free technology. This allows drivers to communicate without taking their hands off the wheel or their eyes off the road, thereby reducing the risk of an accident.

Hands-free technology enables the driver to stay focused on driving while still being able to receive important calls or directions, making it safer than picking up a handheld device. It's essential that any device used be designed for hands-free operation, such as Bluetooth headsets or voice-activated systems, so the driver can maintain full control of the vehicle.

Other choices suggest using a mobile phone under circumstances that still may compromise safety, such as waiting at traffic lights, which can create temptation to interact with the phone, increasing the chance of distraction once the light changes. Using a phone whenever necessary can open the floodgates to temptation while driving, and long road trips may lead to scenarios where fatigue makes distractions from a mobile phone even more dangerous. Hence, hands-free technology is the only method deemed appropriate for mobile phone use while driving.