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According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nine Americans are killed every day, and nearly 3,000 are killed yearly as a result of distracted driving. That's a staggering statistic, and one that should give us all pause. Distracted driving is a serious problem and one that is only getting worse as technology advances.
Critics argue that increased technology within a driver’s arm-reach may just be adding to the distracted driving epidemic. This blog will discuss the already present dangers of distracted driving and how infotainment systems may be an additional danger.
What is Distracted Driving?
Distracted driving is any activity that diverts a person’s attention away from the primary task of driving. Any of the following activities can significantly increase your risk of having an accident.
- Talking or texting on your phone
- Eating and drinking
- Talking to passengers
- Looking at a billboard
- Fiddling with the radio and more
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there are three types of distractions:
- Visual (taking your eyes off the road)
- Manual (taking your hands off the wheel)
- Cognitive (taking your mind off of driving)
Texting while driving is particularly dangerous because it involves all three types of distraction.
The Dangers of Infotainment Systems
An infotainment system is a computer system that provides entertainment and information to the driver and passengers of a vehicle. Most new cars now come with infotainment systems, which allow drivers to access all types of potentially distracting software while behind the wheel, including:
- GPS navigation
- Thermostat control
- Music streaming services
- Social media applications
While these systems are convenient, they can also put drivers and any other occupants of a car at extreme risk. A study by AAA and the University of Utah found that infotainment systems can require an incredibly large amount of demand for a driver's attention, sometimes leading a driver to take their eyes off the road for up to 40 seconds at a time.
Even when drivers take their eyes off the road for just two seconds to look at their infotainment system, they double their risk of being in an accident. And we all know that accidents can happen in the blink of an eye. So if you must use your car's infotainment system while driving, make sure to do so safely by pulling over first or waiting until you're stopped at a red light.
Distracted Driving Attorney in Tallahassee, FL
At Shapiro Law Firm, P.A., we know all too well the consequences and aftermath of distracted driving. When a driver isn’t paying attention to their surroundings, the potential for disaster is amplified. If you’ve been involved in a car accident where the other driver wasn’t paying attention, you may be entitled to compensation for your damages.
If you've suffered injuries due to a distracted driver, call us today at (850) 629-7226 or visit us online!