Because of the huge push to stop drivers from texting or talking on their cell phones while driving, most of us believe those are the most distracting—and the most dangerous behaviors performed by drivers. A new study puts a different spin on distracted driving, with a conclusion that in-vehicle technology may be even more dangerous than cell phone use—not that cell phone use is not still considered extremely dangerous while you are driving. The study looked at thirty different new (2017) vehicles, finding that twelve of them allowed drivers to program directions while operating the car.
Further, it took drivers an average of 40 seconds to program the navigation system which is the length of four football fields at a speed of 25 mph. Imagine if you are whizzing down the freeway at 70 miles an hour, and you take your attention away from the road for a full 40 seconds. The 120 drivers in the study ranged from ages 21 to 36; younger drivers were used in the study under the assumption those drivers were more comfortable with the technology in vehicles. So, if you’re wondering which cars are the most distracting, here’s the list:
- Audi Q7 QPP
- Chrysler 300 C
- Dodge Durango GT
- Ford Mustang GT
- GMC Yukon SLT
- Honda Civic Touring
- Honda Ridgeline RTL-E
- Mazda 3 Touring
- Nissan Armada SV
- Subaru Crosstrek Premium
- Tesla Model S
- Volvo XC60 T5
Coming in as the second-highest in the “most distracting” category were:
- Cadillac XT5 Luxury
- Chevrolet Traverse LT
- Dodge Ram 1500
- Ford Fusion Titanium
- Hyundai Sonata Base
- Infiniti Q50 Premium
- Jeep Compass Sport
- Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited
- Kia Sorento LX
- Nissan Maxima SV
- Toyota Rav4 XLE
Further Reading: Colorado’s Vision Zero Traffic Fatality Plan
Not only do the “infotainment” systems built into these cars provide access to a navigation system, some of them also provide access to information, entertainment, music and traffic conditions, and some can link to smartphones to make phone calls and send text messages. Professor David L. Strayer from the psychology department of the University of Utah believes car manufacturers should give considerably more thought to the types of interactions drivers can access while the car is in motion. The problem seems to lie in the fact that most drivers believe if a car manufacturer puts a certain technology into a car, it must be safe to use. In other words, if the car infotainment system will allow the driver to use it while driving, it must be safe to do so.
Unfortunately, this is far from true, and in an effort to grab their share of the auto market, automobile manufacturers are putting in more and more technology which simply does not mix with driving. The recommendation, if you have a high-tech car, is to set everything up before you leave, rather than while you are driving. Your eyes belong on the road, and your hands belong on the wheel—otherwise, you stand a fairly good chance of having a potentially serious accident.
While using the navigation system was the most distracting task for drivers, text messaging came in second, and audio entertainment and making phone calls tied as the third-most distracting task to complete while driving. Voice-based and touch-screen technology typically took about 24 seconds for the average person to perform, yet a driver removing his or her eyes from the road for more than two seconds had twice the risk of having a crash, according to previous research done by the NHTSA. Drivers must learn to keep distractions to a minimum, because even one life lost as a result of a distracted driver is one too many.
Contact Our Experienced Lafayette Car Accident Lawyers
If you or someone you love has been injured in a car accident in Lafayette, Broomfield, Northglenn, Westminster, Thornton, or anywhere in Colorado, the steps you take can make a difference in the amount of compensation you obtain. At Hull & Zimmerman, P.C., we know how to negotiate aggressively with insurance companies and obtain maximum compensation for our clients. We are also experienced and seasoned litigators and are ready and willing to take your case to court if needed. Contact us at (303) 423-1770 or (866) 385-3505.
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