Automobile manufacturers seem to be in a race to install bigger and better infotainment systems. These systems cram information onto the dashboard of a car and cause drivers to take their eyes off the road says a new AAA study. A recent study was performed by the University of Utah and examined the impact on safety for anyone who drives including pedestrians.
The “Explosion of technology” in the car has clearly made things worse says leading researcher David Strayer. The latest in car systems include options for drivers to use social media, e-mail and text while driving and these systems are more complicated to use than systems in the past. Cars used to have few buttons and knobs while many of the newer cars and trucks have as many as 50 buttons on the steering wheel and dashboard. There are also touch commands, voice commands, writing pads, heads up displays on windshields and mirrors and even 3-D computer generated images.
Each of these add a layer of complexity and information for the driver and few researchers consider it to be a good idea. Complexity increases the overall amount of time drivers spend trying to use these systems they spent money for and decreases the amount of time and attention spent on the task of driving. The auto industry says these are a better alternative than cell phones without any evidence to support their conclusion. Jake Nelson, AAA director for traffic safety advocacy and research says drivers took their eyes off the road and hands off the wheel while using these new systems in each of the 30 cars and trucks tested.
Automakers haven’t worked hard enough to make these systems quick and easy to use. 23 of the 30 vehicles tested were rated by the researchers as “very high’ or “high” in terms of the attention demanded from the driver and only 7 were rated as moderate. None required a low amount of attention to use. Do you remember when the most important thing we did behind the wheel was drive? We help people after what happens as a result of distracted driving. If you need help please call us.
We represent people who are injured because of the careless and reckless acts of others. At the end of the day your case can only be settled one time and you need to know all of the facts beforehand. The reason that insurance companies have paid our clients in excess of $130,000,000.00 is that we get the facts and are not intimidated at the prospect of going to trial when they refuse to follow the law. We help with serious issues that require serious representation. We are the Law Offices of Guenard & Bozarth. We have over 80 years of experience in our plaintiff’s only law firm. Call GB Legal 24/7/365 at 888-809-1075 or visit www.gblegal.com We Can Help!
