Dashboard distract drivers
The infotainment technology automakers are cramming into the dashboard of new vehicles is making drivers take their eyes off the road and hands off the wheel for dangerously long periods of time, an American Automobile Association (AAA) study says.
Automakers now include more infotainment options to allow drivers to use social media, email and text. The technology is also becoming more complicated to use.
Cars used to have a few buttons and knobs. Some vehicles now have as many as 50 on the steering wheel and dashboard. There are touchscreens, voice commands, writing pads, heads-up displays on windshields, and 3D computer-generated images.
‘It’s adding more and more layers of complexity and information at drivers’ fingertips without often considering whether it’s a good idea to put it at their fingertips,’ said University of Utah professor David Strayer, who’s been examining the impact of infotainment systems for AAA ‘s Foundation for Traffic Safety since 2013.
The auto industry says the new systems are better alternatives than mobile phones and navigation devices that were not designed to be used while driving. But Jake Nelson, AAA’s director for traffic safety advocacy and research, said drivers testing all 30 of the 2017 model year cars took their eyes off the road and hands off the wheel while using infotainment systems.
Programming a destination into in-vehicle GPS navigation systems, for example, was the most distracting activity, taking drivers an average of 40 seconds.
At 40 kmph, a car can travel the length of four football fields in that much time (40 seconds).
