Interactive car dashboards; the newest driving distraction to watch out for.
As a responsible driver, you know just how dangerous it can be to drive while distracted. Not only does it place yourself and your passengers at risk, but it also puts innocent motorists and bystanders in danger as well. In recent years, there has been a major movement to educate the public about the dangers of distracted driving. This is why safety experts are so concerned over the newest driving distraction out there; interactive car dashboards.
For those unfamiliar with the technology, interactive dashboards are displays built into new cars that allow drivers to sync their smartphones to their car. While car manufacturers insist that this technology is a safety feature that prevents people from using their phones while driving, safety experts disagree strongly. According to David Strayer, professor of cognition and neural science and author of several studies on distracted driving, interactive dashboards “are enabling activities that take your eyes off the road for longer than most safety advocates would say is safe.” According to Professor Strayer’s research, engagement with dashboard displays is just as distracting as cell phone use while driving.
As there are very few laws governing the use of interactive dashboards, it is up to drivers to use this technology in a safe and responsible way. If you own a car equipped with this new technology, make sure that you use it sparingly while behind the wheel. However, if you must rely on your dashboard, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration offers the following advice:
- Don’t use functions that include photographs or moving images unrelated to driving.
- Any task should require less than six taps in order to be completed.
- Drivers should be able to complete tasks in a series of 1.5- or 2-second glances, for a total of no more than 12 seconds.
This is what you need to know about interactive dashboards and their role as the newest driving distraction out there. While you may be a good driver who never operates a vehicle while distracted, other motorists may not be so responsible. The best way to protect against the risks posed by reckless drivers is by having the right auto insurance in place. For assistance with all your personal coverage needs, contact the professionals at Mike Leonard Insurance Agency. Our dedicated team is eager to find you the right coverage from one of our many carriers including: Kemper, MetLife, Nationwide, Travelers, The Hartford, Safeco Insurance, Progressive, and American Strategic Insurance.