A new study has debunked hands-free as a distraction-free driving option. No. Not even hands-free or Siri or anything else will keep you from becoming a distracted driver.
Here is the article:
https://www.yahoo.com/tech/talking-to-siri-while-driving-is-pretty-dangerous-99428536494.html?src=rss
Here is a snippet from that piece:
The greatest challenge to stopping distracted driving comes from the fact that it’s a mental state rather than a physical one. We can measure vehicle speed, and alcohol stays in the blood for hours, but drivers can go from paying attention to distraction with no notice and sudden, tragic effects. Yet so far, attempts to stop distraction have focused on physical changes — making it illegal for drivers to use their hands to text or dial, while allowing voice commands or Bluetooth links.
But a new study backed by AAA contends that voice-control systems can be just as distracting to drivers as texting by hand, and that a system’s design, whether it’s an automaker’s in-dash controls or Apple’s Siri assistant, can make distractions worse.
Unplug whenever you get in the car. Set the smartphone aside, ignore your smartwatch. Don't bother with the hands-free options. Turn on the radio before you get moving and leave it. Just drive. Nothing else.
Happy Reading,
J.W. Gant
But a new study backed by AAA contends that voice-control systems can be just as distracting to drivers as texting by hand, and that a system’s design, whether it’s an automaker’s in-dash controls or Apple’s Siri assistant, can make distractions worse.
Unplug whenever you get in the car. Set the smartphone aside, ignore your smartwatch. Don't bother with the hands-free options. Turn on the radio before you get moving and leave it. Just drive. Nothing else.
Happy Reading,
J.W. Gant
