We all know that distracted driving is a serious problem and it’s only getting worse with the rise in the ubiquity of smartphones and in-vehicle technology. According to a recent AAA study carried out with the assistance of the University of Utah, the type of entertainment system found within a vehicle significantly affects the degree of distraction the typical vehicle driver experiences on the road.
Do you remember the radios and tape decks found in vehicles of the past? They were pretty easy to operate. You reached over, popped in a tape, turned the volume and your music was ready to rock-and-roll. Interestingly enough, you could probably do it all while keeping your eyes on the road.
These days it’s different. In many cars, you have to navigate a computer screen and different displays on the screen, while jumping back and forth through various levels of your “infotainment” system before you can play your favorite song. Is your song on a CD? Do you want to play the radio? Do you want to access a favorite on satellite radio? Anyone who’s had to navigate one of these complicated infotainment systems knows how much they distract drivers from keeping their eyes on the road.
However, according to researchers, some in-car entertainment systems are less distracting – particularly, Apple Car Play and Google Android Auto. These systems are less complicated for drivers to operate, allowing drivers to pay better attention to the road around them.
Drivers need to be careful whenever they use their in-car entertainment systems. Being distracted by such a device could result in a motorist being financially liable if he or she causes an injurious or fatal car accident.
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