April is Distracted Driving Awareness month, and by now most Americans have seen the ads against texting and driving and are beginning to realize how harmful distracted driving can be.
Many drivers are attempting to combat the hazards of distracted driving by using hands-free devices on their phones or vehicles. A recent study, however, by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety and the University of Utah reported that even voice-activated technology can serve as a significant distraction to drivers
View video: How AAA Studied Cognitive Distraction
The study analyzed driver responses using 10 in-vehicle information systems and 3 separate smart phone assistants. While the devices proved distracting while driving, they also distracted drivers for up to 27 seconds after using them. This is news for drivers who insist that they only use devices during “safe” times, such as when stopped at red lights. They may actually continue to be distracted as they proceed into traffic.
Additionally, this study found that practice with devices did not increase the proficiency of driving while distracted. If a task was easy to begin with, it remained easy after a week, and the difficult technology tasks still remained difficult to accomplish while driving.
At the Law Offices of Mark L. Karno and Associates, our experienced attorneys are dedicated to seeking justice for the victims of car accidents. If you or your loved one has been injured, call us today at (312) 701-0090 for your free consultation. We welcome clients from Aurora, Chicago, and the surrounding communities.