Innovations on the dashboard may increase the risk of distracted driving
Vehicles with dashboard Internet, among other advances, were showcased during 2012's CES.
February 23, 2013
Innovations on the dashboard may increase the risk of distracted drivingArticle provided by Kedzie Law Offices, P.C.
Visit us at http://www.kedzielaw.com
KITT is making a comeback. The popular show from the eighties staring David Hasselhoff and his talking car, KITT, may soon become a reality. Vehicles with amazing innovations were on display this year at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES). Although the vehicles were not yet able to hold a conversation with their drivers, advances did include the ability to connect to the Internet through the dashboard allowing drivers to download songs and even partake in live video conference calls.
These technological advances may allow consumers to save time by multitasking while driving, but safety experts are concerned the technology will increase the risk of car accidents caused by the negligence of careless drivers.
Dangers of distracted driving
One cause of negligent accidents is distracted driving. Distracted driving can include the use of smartphones and GPS units while operating a vehicle. The U.S. Department of Transportation calls distracted driving "a dangerous epidemic on America's roadways."
Car makers argue that the technologies offered at the Consumer Electronics Show allow the hands free use of smart phones, GPS devices and similar tools. They argue these innovations will increase the safety of the nation's roadways since drivers will use their cell phones and other devices whether cars offer a hands free option or not. As a result, the manufacturers argue their innovations making hands free use easier will promote a safer way to use technology.
On the other side, experts with the National Safety Council argue that even hands free use of these devices is dangerous. A recent study conducted by the group found that drivers' brains multitask while talking on the phone, meaning a certain level of distraction is present even when drivers are not using their hands to physically hold a phone to their ear.
While the brain is multitasking the driver's ability to safely operate a vehicle is impaired, driving performance decreases and the driver's ability to respond to unexpected situations while driving slows dramatically. As a result, safety experts are concerned the innovations presented at CES will lead to an increase in distracted driving related car crashes.
If you or a loved one is injured in a car accident and suspect the driver was distracted, compensation may be available to cover the cost of medical and rehabilitative expenses. Contact an experienced car accident attorney to discuss your situation and better ensure your legal rights and remedies are protected.