Car infotainment systems can distract drivers for potentially dangerous periods of time. That’s according to researchers with the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety.
Systems found in new cars often allow drivers to do much more than just listen to the radio, including things like sending text messages or checking social media. Researchers found that the most distracting task was programming navigation, which took drivers an average of 40 seconds to complete. AAA says taking your eyes of the road for just two seconds doubles your risk for a crash.
They believe that car makers can significantly reduce distraction by locking out certain features while the car is moving. In the meantime, AAA reminds drivers that just because the technology’s available in your car doesn’t mean it’s safe to use while driving.
