Sometimes more is not better, and this seems to be the case with some of the newer luxury cars. New studies show some of the new in-car technology is adding to the problem of distracted driving. As technology advances and, in some ways, becomes easier, when it is used on the road, it can actually become a hazard. The infotainment systems available on higher-end cars can be seen as dashboard distractions leading to more hazardous driving.
From Old and Boring to New and Distracting
Consumer Reports cited six car makers as having the highest amount of dashboard distractions. These included Mercedes-Benz, Tesla, Lexus, Cadillac, Acura, and Volvo. There were eight companies with the least distracting dashboards. They include Ford, GM, and Fiat-Chrysler.
Knobs and switches are quickly being replaced by touch screens and graphics. Just about anyone who regularly uses a GPS system will tell you how great it is to have someone guiding you into unknown territory. Having a backup camera on your dash can actually save lives. So what’s the big deal?
Dashboard Distractions Can Be Lethal
When you consider taking your eyes off the road for a mere fraction of a second can lead to a serious, if not fatal, accident, dashboard distractions are just as bad as any other driving distractions, like fiddling with your cell phone or eating.
According to Consumer Reports, the digital screens can complicate things and cause drivers to be distracted. Over 3,000 people were killed last year due to distracted driving – and that’s fatalities. That number doesn’t include those who were injured or had property damaged because of distracted driving.
You may be able to adjust the lighting in your car using that new digital touchscreen. You might be able to set your speakers to put out the most mellow sound, and you may even be able to surf the web to find that new restaurant, all this and more while driving. While you may be able to do these things, they can come at a high price. Joggers, bicyclists, pedestrians, people going out to get their mail and little kids have all been killed by distracted driving.
It may be a hassle to pull off the road to make the adjustments and find the restaurant, however, it’s also the smarter thing to do. Distracted driving is just as dangerous as driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. So, before you indulge in dashboard distractions, ask yourself, is it really worth the risk?
The attorneys at Frohlich, Gordon & Beason, P.A., want you to have a safe journey on the roadways. Don’t be a distracted driver. If you’ve been injured in an accident, contact us for a free initial consultation. We specialize in personal injury law and business litigation, proudly serving the southwest Florida region, including Englewood, North Port, and Port Charlotte.