The Risk of Using Infotainment Technology on Spokane Roads

Recent years have shown a rise in a technological trend: so-called in-vehicle infotainment systems. These new dashboard displays allow us to do everything from navigate the roadways to make phone calls, all while driving our cars.

These systems are also equipped with different safety features such as back-up cameras and lane departure warning systems.

However, all of this advanced technology may not be an improvement. According to a report recently published by AAA, all of the features in these infotainment systems demand so much of our attention that, by using them, we place ourselves and others in harm’s way. Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of accidents, and these system features take so much of our time and attention to operate that they are dangerous to use.

Just because we can doesn’t mean we should

Jake Nelson is the director of traffic safety and advocacy with AAA. He feels that technology companies should work together to combat this problem. “Just because it is available, doesn’t make it safe to use… Smartphone companies and automakers must collaborate to reduce the potential for distraction that technology places on drivers.”

Smartphones such as Android and iPhone offer many of the same infotainment

systems in app form. While they also take a great deal of time and attention off the road, overall, they are a few seconds faster than the in-vehicle models.

Smartphones are 5 seconds faster at making phone calls and 15 seconds faster at programming navigation than their in-vehicle counterparts. Those few seconds are crucial on the road. Five seconds can mean the difference between an accident and a safe drive home.

Take a minute. Save a life.

Spokane car accident lawyer Richard E. Lewis has seen what happens when drivers spend more time focusing on finding the next song or searching for locations on a navigation app than on the road ahead. However, there are ways to lower your risk of an accident.

Pull your car over before you search for a song. Plug in your destination before you start your engine. These apps are only a hazard if they’re used while your car is moving. Taking two minutes to get settled and get all the apps up and running before you start driving will make all the difference on the road.

If you or a loved one have been injured in a car accident due to another driver’s distracted behavior, contact Richard E. Lewis today.