In-Vehicle Technology Distraction Dangers

In-Vehicle Technology: What’s the Risk?

Compare the in-vehicle technology of automobiles today with those of the cars and trucks from… well, pick any decade prior to 2010, and there is a staggering mismatch between the ‘haves’ and ‘have-nots.’ But what’s the cost to drivers besides the vehicle’s sticker price?

In some instances, the gadgetry and accessories in modern cars and trucks have resulted in a loss of life due to the many distractions that they cause. In fact, attorney Matt Boulton has investigated a number of these types of accidents throughout Indiana.

Whether the Indiana accident report noted that one or more drivers were distracted, or Matt’s subpoena of evidence resulted in learning that a driver was interacting with in-vehicle technology, the fact remains that it only takes a second for distraction to cause a serious accident.

In-Vehicle Technology Becoming Standard

As the price of technology continues to decline, the features and accessories once equated with luxury vehicles have found their way to lower-cost cars and trucks of many manufacturers.

And as distracted driving continues to rival driving under the influence for the cause behind a majority of serious car accidents, it remains to be seen if state laws will be proposed or enacted to restrict the manner in which drivers can interact with their in-vehicle technology.

Given the number of distracted driving accidents Boulton Law Group handles each year, it is our opinion that car manufacturers should focus exclusively on technology that offers safety feature enhancements.

AAA’s “In-Vehicle Technology Risks” Study

In an effort to connect the risks of in-vehicle technology to distracted driving accidents, AAA conducted a study that involved 75 drivers testing the various systems in ten 2017 and 2018 vehicles and naturally found that using in-vehicle technology while driving is not a safe behavior due to drivers losing eye contact with the road, even if for only a second.

The study further noted that it takes longer to make a phone call with a dashboard touchscreen system than it safely should. The same distraction danger was also noted for participants who tried to get driving directions from their in-vehicle technology.

Results of the study confirmed what we have known all along: Distracted driving remains one of the most dangerous behaviors a driver can engage in while on the road.

Remember, just because a car manufacturer promotes “ease of use” or “luxury options,” this does not equate to increased safety!

Don’t Take the Risk

Indiana’s local news only reports on a fraction of automobile accidents that occur throughout the Hoosier state, yet each day there are dozens of serious car accidents that never receive headlines, perhaps dangerously leading some to believe that the risk of distracted driving is exaggerated. Nothing could be further from the truth.

In addition to speaking to victims of Indiana’s accidents, Matt also reviews the many police reports that are filed with the various agencies at the state and county level, and distracted driving is an all too common theme in these collisions.

Apps have been created to block a phone from being active while in a vehicle, and the same practice of avoidance should be lent to in-vehicle technology.

A second’s distraction is enough time to be involved in any number of crash risks:

• Rear-end a vehicle that comes to a sudden stop or is sitting at a light.
• Run a stop sign or traffic light.
• Drift into another lane of traffic.
• Strike a pedestrian or animal that enters the roadway.
• Hit a bicyclist.
• Crash in a construction zone or make contact with an unmarked road hazard.

We have seen each of these accident types as well as several more.

With this in mind, there used to be a time not too long ago when in-vehicle technology was a concept unheard of, and each of us was able to travel from Point A to Point B without a single need for its many distractions.

In an effort to save Hoosiers from being involved in a serious accident, we kindly ask that everyone keep their focus on the road and do their part in keeping Indiana’s roads safe.

Questions About a Distracted Driving Accident?

If you suspect another driver’s use of in-vehicle technology to be the cause or contributing factor for your accident, you may have the right to seek compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Boulton Law Group offers every Hoosier a Zero Fee Guarantee, meaning you will never pay for a case review, and you owe the firm nothing until your case is won.

If you wish to have your case reviewed, please use our confidential contact form, and Matt will provide you with a free analysis.