Are infotainment systems getting too distracting?

Have you heard about the new 2019 Audi A8? Are you intrigued by its level-3 autonomous driving capability? Or, maybe you’re dying to get your hands on its brand new infotainment system?

Engadget’s Steve Dent got to take an Audi A8 for a spin, and while he found the car very impressive, he expressed concern that its sheer number of high-tech features could lead to distracted driving.

Dent’s fears could be valid as new research from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety shows that complex technology and infotainment systems are making cars less safe by distracting drivers. The findings reveal that drivers are taking their eyes off the road and hands off the wheel for dangerously long periods of time. Programming navigation was the most distracting task for drivers in this study, but even voice-based features like dictating text messages could distract drivers for up to 40 seconds.

It’s clear that this is a serious concern, when you consider research also shows that taking your eyes off the road for just two seconds doubles the risk of having an accident.

So, what can be done about this problem? There are some simple solutions, for sure. Some car systems can now block access to the more distracting tasks (like texting, social apps and programming your navigation) when the vehicle is in motion.

Similarly, smartphone operating systems like iOS 11 and the Google Pixel 2 are also helping out by automatically putting your phone in Do-Not-Disturb mode when your car is en route.

Wanting cool features in your car isn’t a bad thing, especially when they can personalize the experience for all of your needs, but these features need to become more intuitive and easy-to-use so drivers aren’t distracted.

In the not-so-distant future, we may carry all our preferences and settings with us, and cars may become smart enough to recognize our profiles on a personal device within a vicinity. Before we ever start the engine, the car may then already know where we want to go and what we want to listen to while driving.

LINK could become an essential part of that equation with 2TB of storage, 5GHZ dual-band Wi-Fi and an ultra-portable design. LINK can store everything you want and go with you anywhere you drive. Whether you’re picking up the kids from soccer practice, renting a car on vacation, or messing around at the racetrack, LINK can help make any car feel like your car.

In the meantime, just keep your eyes on the road.

Learn more about this pocket-sized powerhouse and how it can change how you drive.