Are infotainment systems getting too distracting?October 19, 2017 by FasettoHave 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.
Parenting Patch (@ParentingPatch) saysOctober 23, 2017 at 8:06 pmI must admit that I am not a fan of infotainment centers in vehicles. When I purchased my van, I went with the lower end model without all the bells and whistles. Some people, however, do love all the extras! To each their own.Reply
helench1k saysOctober 24, 2017 at 1:16 amI completely agree with you! When I drive my mothers BMW I get distracted because it becomes a chore to even just change radio stations!Reply
Kiwi saysOctober 24, 2017 at 1:32 amI think technology is getting more advance but we still gotta be safe. We are getting too consumed into technology and our distractions can be more dangerous while driving.Reply
Lindsey Mozgai saysOctober 24, 2017 at 11:22 amI can’t believe how much is going on in the car nowadays. What ever happened to keeping it simple.Reply
ashley saysOctober 24, 2017 at 12:51 pmthey are very distracting! why should there be so many features when we should be tyring to be careful on the roadReply
Suzanne Spiegoski-Decamps saysOctober 24, 2017 at 4:08 pmSo many bells and whistles it’s hard to keep track! Thanks for this amazing article.Reply
Sondra Barker saysOctober 24, 2017 at 9:14 pmI find infotainment systems to be too hard to use sometimes! When you have you deal with a touch screen just to change the radio stations or change the temperature is very distracting at timesSondra xx prettyfitfoodie.comReply
Chelsea saysOctober 26, 2017 at 1:23 amI noticed they are getting way too complicated to work. It can be hard to focus trying to turn off the ACReply
arainofthought saysNovember 3, 2017 at 1:14 pmI definitely think that too many features are distracting. You’re driving. Focus on that.Reply