AAA study focuses on the distractions of infotainment systems

In a recent AAA survey, 70 percent of U.S. adults expressed a desire for new vehicle tech like infotainment systems. However, these systems come with features that are not only irrelevant to driving in South Carolina but also distracting. University of Utah researchers conducted a study for AAA that focused on 30 infotainment systems on new 2017 cars. The automakers represented included Honda, Toyota, Ford, Dodge, Audi and Tesla.

Researchers classified seven systems as demanding a moderate level of attention, 11 as demanding a high level and 12 demanding a very high level. They also recorded the various unsafe behaviors that the study’s participants engaged in when using the features: they included traveling at excessively slow speeds, swerving out of lanes and ignoring stop signs.

Previous research says that auto accident risk doubles when one’s eyes are off the road for as little as two seconds. This new study came up with an astounding statistic; using the GPS and sending text messages distracted drivers for over 40 seconds each. Though systems came with voice commands, using these proved distracting as well.

One in three Americans uses an infotainment system on the road. However, new technology has led to sometimes complicated dashboards that make ordinary actions difficult to carry out. Another issue is that infotainment systems don’t undergo full testing.

When car accidents are the result of distracted driving, the first thing to do is determine liability. This state operates under a comparative negligence rule, which means victims can file a claim if they are less to blame than the other party. Still, auto insurance companies can be aggressive in denying payment, so a plaintiff may want a lawyer to ensure a strong case. If negotiations are successful, a victim could be reimbursed for medical expenses, vehicle damage, lost wages and more.