When you’re driving, there are many different things that can go wrong. Without wanting to be negative, it’s vital to keep your focus entirely on the road in front of you, however there are endless distractions awaiting around every corner. In fact, according to studies, around 3000 people die due to accidents involving a distracted driver every year. That’s a scary statistic, and one that really draws your attention to the things that can take your attention away from the road.
In our constantly connected world, cellphones are one of the biggest distractions. You no doubt know that you shouldn’t text while you’re driving, but what about using phone accessories like a cup holder phone mount ? Are these distracting in themselves?
While the accessory itself isn’t distracting, the phone it holds is. There are also many other reasons why a cup holder phone mount isn’t ideal, and we’ll explore them next.
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Ergonomic Challenges
It’s not only distractions that we need to talk about where cup holder phone mounts are concerned, but ergonomic issues too. When you use one of these mounts, you have to sit and move in an unnatural position and this can be very uncomfortable. It does come down to distraction in some way, because when you feel uncomfortable, that’s distracting in itself.
Basically, it really all comes down to the way these mounts are positioned, and that can cause a domino effect of issues that affect your driving. When you sit in an unnatural position for long periods of time, or even just on a regular basis for short bursts, it compounds into aches and pains that stick around over the long-term.
The info below gives some insights into how ergonomics can impact you as a driver.
Ergonomic Issue |
Impact on Driver |
Neck Strain |
25% increase in discomfort |
Eye Fatigue |
40% reduction in peripheral vision |
Poor Posture |
20% decrease in reaction time |
While you’re here, if you’re a motorcycle enthusiast, be sure to read our guide to essential motorcycle maintenance tips to help you remain comfortable during your trips.
Neck and Eye Strain
Another reason why a cup holder phone mount isn’t ideal is the potential for neck and eye strain. These holders are positioned low down so you have to keep glancing downwards. Over time, this type of movement can cause neck pain and eye fatigue because, in effect, you’re forcing your body into an unnatural position every time you take a glance.
To give you an idea of how this can affect your neck alone, studies have shown that if you tilt your head by just 15-20 degrees, you add 25 pounds of strain to your neck. This is a phenomenon that has been dubbed ‘tech neck,’ due to the habit of always looking down at devices, rather than holding them at eye level.
From a vision point of view, constantly shifting your glance from ahead to down can be tiring for your eyes, exacerbated over the course of a long journey.
Postural Implications
Our bodies like to get into habits, and when you use a cup holder phone mount regularly you may end up with a poor driving posture. You may find that you automatically begin to slouch to be able to see your phone or lean to one side. When this happens, not only do you run the risk of back pain, but it affects your ability to respond to what is happening on the road.
In fact, studies back this up, with research showing that drivers who adopt a side-ways facing posture experience braking times 1.5 to 1.9 longer than those who sit in forward-facing position.
Visual Field Disruption
If sitting in an unnatural position affects your braking speed, we can say a similar thing about glancing between your phone and the road. Not only does this slow down your reaction times but it can mean that you’re more likely to miss spotting an upcoming danger on the road. When you look up from your phone, your eyes need a little time to refocus, meaning that you’re creating seconds or even minutes of impaired vision. Who knows what could happen during that time?
Cognitive Load Increase
We’ve talked about why a cup holder phone mount isn't ideal from a physical point of view, but now let’s look at how this affects you cognitively.
A cup holder phone mount is placed in a position that isn’t intuitive. That means it takes some mental effort to remember where to look. Not only does this distract you from your driving but it builds up into fatigue over the course of a long drive in particular. In effect, you’re mentally taxing yourself. Studies have shown that increased cognitive load can lead to reduced ability to detect peripheral hazards.
Even motorcyclists can’t use a cup phone holder mount, read our guide to essential motorcycle riding tips to boost your safety and enjoyment while you’re on the road.
Environmental Interference
Outside influences also play a part when you choose to use a cup holder phone mount. These accessories are vulnerable to certain conditions that can make them less functional and less reliable.
Let’s explore some of these in more detail.
Temperature Fluctuations
Placement is a key aspect to consider here. If your cup holder phone mount is too close to an air conditioning vent or it’s located in full sunlight, it can cause your phone to overheat and can affect your battery. Fluctuations in battery life can affect the phone’s performance over time, “aging” your phone potentially too soon. Of course, it can also mean that you have far less battery than you thought you had, leaving you with no working phone when you might need it.
Optimal phone battery function is based on a temperature of 25°C, and studies have revealed that for every 15°C increase above that, battery life reduces by 50%.
Condensation Risk
During shifts in temperature or humid conditions, it’s possible that condensation may form on your phone when placed in a cup holder phone mount . This can lead to damage over time, affecting not only the battery but how your phone functions in general.
Of course, it’s a common problem; it’s reported that 25% of all phone users have damaged their phone due to liquid of some kind, including condensation.
The table below gives some key information on the types of environmental factors that can affect phones and their effects.
Environmental Factor |
Impact on Device |
Extreme Heat |
20% reduction in battery life |
Cold Temperatures |
35% risk of sudden shutdown |
High Humidity |
60% increase in corrosion risk |
Vibration and Movement
Screen Readability Issues
Of course, when your phone is vibrating in the holder, it can be hard to read your screen properly. This not only distracts you from driving even more, but could lead you to try to move your phone or stabilize it.
So, while you’re trying to read your phone, you’re also putting yourself and those around you at risk.
Mount Stability Concerns
Depending on the type of terrain you’re driving through, your phone could become loose from the mount. For instance, if you’re driving down an unpaved country road and your car is bouncing around a little, your phone could dislodge from the mount. This creates two problems: the first is that your phone could fall out of the mount and suffer damage. The second is that you may try to hold it in place while you’re driving, reducing your concentration on the road.
Sudden movements or rough terrain can dislodge your phone from the mount, creating a safety hazard and potential damage risk. You're essentially playing a game of chance with your device every time you hit a bump or make a sharp turn.
We can also talk about a ‘what if,’ here. Studies have shown that unsecured objects, e.g. a phone, account for up to 13,000 injuries every year. If you’re driving and you suddenly need to brake, your phone could become a projectile that could easily cause an injury. Common injuries include cuts, neck or head injuries, and in the worst cases, spinal cord and brain injuries. Remember, a projectile moves at speed and with force.
Functionality Limitations
Charging Complications
At some point during your journey, you may need to charge your phone, especially if you’re driving for a while. In that case, the distance from the power outlet to your phone could cause the wire to interfere with the gear shift. Not only will it add frustration to your driving but you could accidentally disconnect the charge, assuming your phone is charging when it’s not.
The location of a cup holder often means that you need a longer charging cable for a comfortable experience, which most people don’t have. Additionally, extended charging cables are often less effective than standard sizes, meaning your phone charges more slowly.
Cable Management Struggles
There’s also a safety aspect to consider here. When you plug your phone in to charge, you effectively have hanging cables that can easily get stuck not only around the gear shift but everywhere else too. If you have an extended cable, this could hang as far as your feet, causing it to get tangled up in pedals.
If you’re into cycling, check out our article on top tips for riding RAGBRAI!
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Vehicle Compatibility Issues
Cup Holder Variability
There are big differences in the size of cup holders, how deep they are, and how they're positioned across even models of the same vehicle. This can mean that your holder may not fit at all, or it may fit poorly, increasing the risk of your phone falling out or the mount itself moving around.
In fact, you could find the perfect cup holder phone mount that fits in one car like a dream, only for it not to fit at all in another. If you have more than one car or perhaps your family does and you want to move the mount from car to car, this limits versatility.
Differences in cup holder size, depth, and positioning across vehicle models can result in unstable or ill-fitting mounts. You might find a mount that works perfectly in one car but is completely unusable in another, limiting the versatility of your chosen solution.
Interference with Vehicle Controls
We’ve also talked about the fact that when you’re charging your phone, the cable can become an obstruction. However, even when you’re not charging, the same can be true. Where the cup holder mount is attached, it may be too large or bulky, and impact upon important controls while you’re driving. We certainly know that it can affect comfort through ergonomics, and it can force you to choose between controlling your vehicle or accessing your phone. Of course, without a doubt, you should always go for the first option.
Are you a golfing fan? While you’re here, check out our essential golf etiquette tips to boost your game and overall social experience.
Multi-Purpose Functionality Loss
A cup holder is designed for a specific need - to hold a cup. So, if you’re someone who enjoys a cup of coffee during your morning commute to work, you’re going to lose the functionality of the cup holder for this reason. Instead, it will hold your phone, when you really want a cup of java to wake you up. Basically, you’re trading one source of convenience for another and there literally is nowhere else to put a cup.
This won’t be an issue for everyone; some people don’t even take a sip of water while they’re driving, but if you're on a long journey, this could turn into a big inconvenience.
Storage Space Reduction
If you’re looking for another reason why a cup holder phone mount isn't ideal , let’s talk about storage space reduction. Using one of these accessories can reduce the storage space in the center console spot.
You might think this isn’t a problem if you’ve never used one of these mounts before, but you’re probably underestimating how bulky they can be. Once you install one, you’ll notice that much of that previously available space is gone. If you tend to store items in this area for easy reach, that convenience is gone. You’ll either have to find somewhere else to put them (which can be tricky), or do without them. Again, it’s a trade off, meaning that a cup holder phone mount isn’t an easy solution to any problem.
How Rokform Addresses These Challenges
We’ve talked at length about why a cup holder phone mount isn’t ideal, so now let’s explore how the problem can be solved, thanks to a little help from us, here at Rokform.
We have a range of solutions that can solve many of the problems commonly associated with cup holder phone mounts. For instance, our Swivel Dash Mount is the ideal option for reading directions on your phone without having to sit in an uncomfortable position. Or you could opt for our Dual Magnet Vent Mount , which solves the problem of your phone potentially moving around, thanks to a larger grip area. Put simply, we understand the challenges you face and we’ve come up with innovative ways to solve them!
Additionally, our cases are designed to last. These aren’t flimsy or easily broken! They also feature the RokLock mounting system, making them a more secure and convenient choice if you're looking to mount a car phone holder. For instance, our RokLock Car Dash Mount is one solution to your problem, allowing you to use your phone in either landscape or portrait mode. All in all, our cases offer a more flexible, stable, versatile, and more ergonomic solution to using your phone during a drive.
So, while a cup phone holder might look the part, it’s clearly not the clear answer - our car mounts are! Don’t waste anymore time with ill-fitting, uncomfortable accessories. Instead, visit the Rokform website and explore our large range of mounting products that won’t give you a literal pain in the neck!
Key Learnings Recap
Why Cup Holder Phone Mounts Fail Drivers
We’ve covered a lot of ground in this guide and you now know all the reasons why a cup holder phone mount isn’t ideal for in-car use. Not only do these holders pose very solid ergonomic problems but they also affect functionality and take away the main reason for a cup holder in the first place.
We can also talk about how they’re not a healthy solution for your phone either. Many environmental factors connected with cup holder phone mounts can affect the battery life and longevity of your phone. After all, cell phones aren’t low-cost items, so of course you want it to last as long as possible. Constant vibrations and movements also pose issues, and in the event of your phone becoming loose, it could even turn into a very dangerous projectile. And if you’re using your phone for directions, the fact that you can’t see it properly without moving into an unnatural position poses a world of other concerns.
Put simply, they’re not ideal.
The answer? Rokform’s range of mounting solutions that take all of these problems and turn them into positives. Our mounts are durable, meant to last, and your phone won’t move around during your journey. There’s also no issue with visibility, and you'll be able to see your phone whenever you need it, without having to twist and turn and give yourself back ache.
Ultimately, we designed our phone mounts to overcome the common problems that cup holder phone mounts cause, without affecting the general performance of your phone. Check out our website today!
Checklist
Use the following checklist to assess phone mounts and see how they affect your health, safety, and general driving experience.
✅ Ergonomic Impact Assessment
Evaluate neck and eye strain potential
Consider cognitive load increase
Assess postural implications
✅ Environmental Considerations
Check temperature fluctuation risks
Evaluate vibration and movement impact
Assess condensation potential
✅ Functionality Evaluation
Review charging options and cable management
Assess viewing angle limitations
Consider navigation usability
✅ Vehicle Compatibility Check
Measure cup holder dimensions
Check for potential control interference
Evaluate storage space impact
✅ Alternative Mount Exploration
Research Rokform mounting solutions
Compare stability and protection features
Consider ergonomic benefits of alternative mounts
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