AAA Study Reveals Distractions Caused by Infotainment Systems

Car infotainment systems are a major source of distraction for many drivers in Illinois and across the U.S., according to a recent AAA-contracted study that analyzed 30 such systems on new 2017 vehicles. Researchers found all the systems demanded either a moderate level of attention (seven in all), a high level (11 in all) or very high (12). Cars in the last category include the Audi Q7 QPP, Dodge Durango GT, Mazda3 Touring and Tesla Model 7.

Participants in the study were drivers aged 21 to 36 who were asked to call, text, use voice commands, program navigation and engage in other activities while behind the wheel. Researchers say that even listening to the radio and using hands-free devices can be distracting to some extent. The most distracting activities, however, were GPS use and texting, both of which made drivers inattentive for more than 40 seconds.

Throughout the study, motorists exhibited unsafe behaviors like failing to stop at stop signs, driving at excessively slow speeds and swerving completely out of lanes. It should be kept in mind that accident risk doubles when drivers take their eyes off the road for two seconds. Even worse, one in three Americans uses an infotainment system while behind the wheel.

Distracted driving continues to lead to many personal injury cases. Someone who believes they have a valid case may want to see a lawyer for an assessment. In addition, the attorney could hire investigators to gather evidence like the police report and phone records. Medical experts could come in to determine the extent of the injuries. The victim can then have their lawyer negotiate for a settlement.