Anyone who has ever driven the streets of Oklahoma City or on the interstate highways carrying people in or out of the area knows distracted drivers are some of the most dangerous people behind the wheels of moving vehicles.
AAA recently released a study that reveals one of the major sources of those distractions: the vehicles themselves. The advanced infotainment systems in new cars are making driving more dangerous with in-vehicle distractions that can result in accidents, injuries and fatalities.
With compelling graphics and multiple controls over various functions (making phone calls, sending and receiving texts, getting directions, maps, tuning in radio stations, changing playlists, volume, etc.) distractions and danger mount, AAA says. People are too often looking at controls rather than other vehicles and traffic signs.
“Drivers using in-vehicle technologies like voice-based and touch screen features were visually and mentally distracted for more than 40 seconds when completing tasks like programming navigation or sending a text message,” AAA said, noting that when drivers look away from the road for just two seconds, the risk of a crash is doubled.
One in three vehicles on our streets today is equipped with the technically advanced systems.
The most distracting task with the systems is programming navigation, AAA says. It takes an average of 40 seconds to complete the task. When you’re driving at just 25 mph, you can travel the length of four football fields in that time — all while looking away from the road.
If you have been injured in a car or truck accident by a distracted driver, you can speak to an attorney experienced in personal injury litigation about full compensation for all damages.
