Car Displays and Distracted Driving
Over 3,400 people were fatally injured and 391,000 people were injured in distracted driving accidents in 2015 alone, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The NHTSA defines distracted driving as any activity that takes a driver’s attention away from driving, such as texting, eating, talking, or changing the radio station.
Types of Distractions
Texting has proven to be the most dangerous distraction, causing drivers to take their eyes off the road for approximately five seconds. A new study conducted by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety reveals that hands-free, in-vehicle technologies are also extremely distracting, both visually and mentally. A spokeswoman for AAA Mid-Atlantic reports that programming a navigation system while driving proved to be the most difficult task. Study participants had their eyes off the road for nearly the entire duration of the task, which took about 40 seconds. According to the study, drivers traveling 25 miles per hour could drive the length of four football fields during that time. Voice command technology in navigation systems or texting can be complicated and can cause drivers to take their eyes off the road.
The study reveals that 45 percent of New Jersey motorists have seen or used in-vehicle technology to accomplish tasks such as making a phone call, tuning music, sending a text, or using a navigation system. Despite 63 percent of New Jersey drivers reporting being happy with the performance of voice command technology in their vehicle, only 24 percent think the systems work perfectly. One in three adults use infotainment systems while driving, however, 44 percent of New Jersey drivers do not want to have in-vehicle voice command technology regardless of its performance. The AAA spokeswoman emphasizes the need for safer technology. Safety and ease of use are both important to drivers, meanwhile recent features added to infotainment systems are proving to be both unsafe and complicated.
Fixing the Problem
Traffic fatalities are on the rise in New Jersey and an AAA spokeswoman believes this increase is partially due to the cognitively and visually impairing voice technology. According to the New Jersey Division of Highway Traffic Safety, traffic fatalities rose from 562 in 2015 to 604 in 2016. In fact, 38 percent of New Jersey drivers admit that they have been distracted by such technology while driving. The AAA spokeswoman advises drivers to enter the destination in their vehicle’s infotainment system prior to driving off. If alterations must be made during the trip, she suggests pulling over to make the changes instead of trying to make the changes while driving.
Piscataway Car Accident Lawyers at the Law Offices of Harold J. Gerr Seek Compensation for Victims Injured in Distracted Driving Accidents
If you were injured in a car accident due to someone else’s negligence, contact an experienced Piscataway car accident lawyer at the Law Offices of Harold J. Gerr. We have over 40 years of experience representing people throughout New Jersey, including in Highland Park, Somerset, New Brunswick, Edison, South River, Sayreville, Metuchen, East Brunswick, South Plainfield, Fords, Middlesex, Old Bridge, Iselin, Bound Brook, Perth Amboy, Piscataway, and Colonia. We understand that car accidents can cause devastating consequences impacting all aspects of your life and we will pursue full and fair compensation for your losses. Contact us online or call us at 877-249-4600 to schedule a free consultation.
