We all know that it’s dangerous to talk on your phone and drive. Unfortunately, that statement typically implies physically holding a phone to your ear and speaking on it. For this reason, many people have transitioned to headsets that allow for hands free phone use, which unlike holding a cell phone to talk, is generally legal.
Now, however, cars are transforming the hands free phone trend. Instead of Bluetooth headsets and the like, cars are doing the talking themselves, offering voice responsive systems for phone use and more. Unfortunately, this new trend may be putting drivers in danger. Here’s what you need to know about these high tech cars.
Billed For Safety
Offering new car technology is always appealing to consumers, but very often these features actually disguise themselves as part of the car’s safety system, as vehicle safety is a major concern. Safety concerns are part of why compact SUVs are popular on the market right now – they have a size advantage over small cars, but aren’t imposing gas guzzlers.
When voice-responsive car systems are introduced as part of safety systems, however, it’s misleading and downright dangerous. Studies show that even when using hands free systems, drivers continue to be distracted. While drivers may not be using their hands when they dictate to a phone, their brains are still actively engaged on something other than the road. These studies demonstrate that cell phone distraction is not so much about dexterity and physical response as it is about mental focus on the road.
Consider The Functions
People use voice responsive technology in their cars for a variety of reasons, and some of these are definitely more helpful than others. While cell phone use is generally dangerous while driving, phone apps that read your texts to you have been shown to improve safety on the road. These apps may be worth the money, particularly for teenage drivers.
On the other hand, while you may be able to listen to your texts while driving, responding is a demonstrated problem. Even worse, if your voice control allows you to use the web, including social networking sites, you’re putting everyone in danger. Some researchers believe that using social networking sites while driving contributes to serious car accidents.
One function that many people are surprised to hear is distracting is GPS. While hands free GPS that offers directions to a destination is generally thought to be one of the greatest innovations brought by smartphones, using GPS systems can actually result in drivers disregarding road signs or even other cars because they are paying more attention to the voice coming from their phone than the road. Even worse are GPS screens posted in the front of cars. You wouldn’t watch TV while driving a car, so why is it safe to watch a GPS screen? Anything that takes the majority of your attention off the road, and especially technology that actually takes your eyes of the road, is a threat to public safety.
Reconsidering Safety Features
While there are many legitimate safety features on the market today, voice responsive cars are generally not one of them. When considering safety in your next vehicle purchase, turn your attention to features like back-up detection that can tell you whether there’s a vehicle or even a small child behind you. This is a great feature that has saved many lives, particularly small children.
For the most part, however, if it makes noise, wants you to look at it, or otherwise draws your attention, even just a little bit of it, away from the road, it isn’t a safety feature. Put down the phone, set the radio before you get started, and be mindful of the safety of those around you.