According to a recent study funded by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Study, drivers using in-vehicle technologies such as touch screens and voice commands take their eyes and mental focus off the road and hands off the wheel for potentially dangerous periods of time. The technology, referred to as infotainment technology, allows drivers to use touch screens or voice commands to provide directions, play music, and place phone calls, among other options. Many of the latest systems also now allow drivers to perform tasks unrelated to driving like surfing the web, checking social media, or sending a text message.
Researchers at the University of Utah evaluated the infotainment systems in 30 new 2017 vehicles. The study focused on the visual and mental demand required by the infotainment systems as well as the time it took drivers to complete a task. Study participants were required to use voice commands, touch screens, and other interactive technologies to place a call, send a text message, tune the radio, or program navigation, all while driving down the road. Researchers found that programming navigation was the most distracting task, taking an average of 40 seconds to complete. Texting was the second most distracting task, followed by tuning the radio and placing a phone call. Previous research has shown that drivers who remove their eyes from the road for just two seconds double their risk for a crash. AAA recommends that drivers use infotainment technology only for legitimate emergencies or urgent, driving-related purposes.
If you or a loved one has been injured as a result of a distracted driving accident, the experienced lawyers at the law firm of Abraham, Watkins, Nichols, Agosto, Aziz & Stogner can assist with your claim. Call us today at (713) 222-7211 or 713-222-7211 for your free consultation.