It seems everywhere you go you can see people talking on their phones or to their phones. Because of the new voice-activated technology, people can send voice-activated texts just by talking into their phone. While this seems relatively easy, it can still be a concern while driving. In fact, a new AAA study shows that hidden dangers of using voice-activated technologies from behind the wheel.
While most everyone has heard by now of the dangers of texting and driving, some drivers don’t physically text because they think using a voice-activated text is somehow not as distracting at the wheel. Unfortunately, many drivers don’t understand that just because they aren’t using their hands doesn’t mean that what they are doing isn’t distracting. In fact, using voice-activated technology while driving has been a growing safety concern and is considered distracted driving.
What the New AAA Study Unveils
Researchers looked at mental distraction by drivers who use voice-activated technology at the wheel and found that “mental distractions can persist for as long as 27 seconds after dialing, changing music or sending a text using voice commands,” according to AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety.
What scary about this finding is that many drivers don’t realize they can still be affected mentally even if their hands are on the wheel and eyes are on the road. In fact, a lot of drivers feel like they are doing a good thing by using hands-free technologies instead of physically dialing or texting while driving. However, it is important to note that researchers for AAA found that unsafe levels of mental distraction take place when drivers use voice-activated systems at the wheel.
Dangers of Voice-Activated Technologies While Driving
A lot of drivers use voice-activated technologies when they are stopped at a red light or when traffic slows down; however, “The reality is that mental distractions persist and can affect driver attention even after the light turns green,” said Marshall Doney, AAA’s President and CEO. For example, drivers using hands-free technologies or who have just finished using voice-activated technologies at the wheel may find themselves doing the following:
- Missing stop signs
- Missing pedestrians
- Missing other vehicles
When drivers’ minds are on other tasks or are readjusting to driving from talking or texting, drivers can be impaired – even after completing the task. Unfortunately, almost all drivers have cell phones and almost all new cars have Bluetooth and other hands-free technologies. The concern here is that more and more drivers might increase their use of voice-activated technology thinking it is safer to use on the road – leading to more distracted driving crashes.
AAA is advising all drivers to “use caution when interacting with these technologies while behind the wheel.”
Because distracted driving is still a huge concern and a problem facing motorists, as many car accidents occur as a result of distracted drivers, the Law Offices of David Benenfeld encourages you to drive distraction-free and share this blog with those you care about on your favorite social media site to help remind drivers that hands-free technologies can be distracting.
If you have been injured in an auto accident as a result of a negligent driver, you may have a legal claim. Find out about your rights by calling a trusted personal injury lawyer in the Fort Lauderdale area. You can reach the attorney David Benenfeld at 866-9 HELP NOW or (954) 677-0155(954) 677-0155 for a free consultation today.
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