Dashboard Technology Causing Driver Distraction, Says AAA
Concerns over distracted driving have gone beyond people texting behind the wheel. In a story that appeared on the Dallas Fort Worth CBS Local website, a new study conducted by AAA has found that new technology built into the dashboards of new vehicles may be adding to driver distractedness.
The study reveals that because drivers are taking their eyes off the road for longer spans of time and some may be also taking their hands off the wheel, dangerous situations are the result
In tests involving 24 volunteers test driving 30 different vehicles, researchers found that the time that drivers took their eyes off the road to look at the in-dash devices was more than 40 seconds on average. These devices included programming navigation functions and sending text messages.
The AAA study found that even when driving only at a speed of 25 mph, a vehicle can travel the length of four football fields in the amount of time it takes to program a destination into the on-board navigation system. A study conducted by Virginia Tech study, drivers who drive while distracted are 23 times more likely to be involved in a collision than drivers who don’t. This makes distracted driving is as dangerous as driving under the influence of alcohol if not more so. According to the AAA study, just taking one’s eyes off the road for two seconds can double the chances of getting into an accident.
The solution may lie in what AAA President and CEO, Marshall Doney, suggests, “Automakers should aim to reduce distractions by designing systems that are no more visually or mentally demanding than listening to the radio.”
Additional solutions include following recommendations made by the federal government that would disable any text messaging, social media or programming of navigation while the car is in motion.
AAA said that it plans to share the data that it has collected will be shared with automakers. The organization has said, however, that they mainly want to share their findings with consumers and to serve as a warning that just because these kinds of features are available on new vehicles and can be used while they’re driving doesn’t make it safe. Above all, drivers should try to use safe practices at all times.
Many states have laws regarding distractions behind the wheel. Recently the National Transportation Safety Board urged all states to consider the complete ban of cellphones and other similar devices on roadways, including the use of hands-free technology.
If you live in the greater Dallas-Fort Worth area and if you or a loved one has been seriously injured in an accident involving distracted driving, you need an attorney who can help protect your rights and ensure that you receive just compensation after the accident.
Contact our offices today. Our attorneys are here to discuss all of the specifics of your case as well as outline all of the options for you. Our law firm is dedicated to helping our clients to receive justice as well as the maximum amount of compensation for any damages, medical bills, lost wages from being off the job and other expenses related to your accident.
