Most new cars have quite a bit of technology built into the vehicle. Some of it is for safety, while other technology is for convenience of the driver and passengers. Although most of this new technology is designed to allow the driver to focus on the road and not have to worry about dialing a phone or looking at a map, it can still cause quite a bit of distraction. In 2012 alone, 3,328 people were killed in distracted driving crashes.
Bumper Sensors
Many cars have sensors on the front and rear bumpers to alert you if there is something close to your vehicle. This can be helpful when you are parking, backing out of a driveway or quickly approaching an unexpected object, person or vehicle. However, when a sensor goes off, the drivers first reaction is to identify which sensor is being activated. By doing this, it takes the drivers eyes or attention off the road, creating a distraction. If one of your sensors is activated, be sure to note the sensor, but don’t let it distract you from the action you are taking. When in doubt, stop and assess the situation before proceeding.
Phone System
Many cars are equipped to sync with your phone and allow you to dial, talk and even text while you are driving. This is great for keeping more of your focus on the road when you have to make a call. However, talking on the phone while driving, even when using your cars phone system, is still considered distracted driving. This is especially true if you are looking at the screen to answer an incoming call or other notifications that might appear there. Instead, wait to make phone calls or answer them when you are not driving at all. This will keep your attention on the road and keep you as safe as possible.
Navigation System
Your car’s navigation is less distracting than looking at a map or viewing navigation on your phone. However, the times that you are looking at your navigation screen are usually the times that you are least familiar with your surroundings. It is also the times that you have to make turns or exit the freeway. When you are performing these actions, it’s important to keep all your attention on the road and the other vehicles around you. If at all possible, try to only listen to the voice commands or have a passenger look at the map and tell you when and where to turn.
As you can see, there are many new technologies that can still cause quite a bit of distraction. Be sure to always be safe on the road and keep your distractions to a minimum, especially as the weather is beginning to change. This will help you avoid accidents, keeping you and your passengers as safe as possible.
If you have questions about a vehicle accident and would like to speak to an experienced attorney, you can contact us or call us at 800-676-5295. We offer a free consultation and can help answer your questions.
