Modern technology is basically designed to ease human lives. But recent study reports from AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety and the University of Utah, and other sources have stated that using voice-activated smartphones or dashboard infotainment systems while driving adds to distraction rather than meant to be there to aid concentration. Owing to modern technology the driver could do things like send out a text message, tune the radio or make a phone call while keeping the eyes on the road and hands on the steering wheel. But these technologies that are meant to maintain focus on the road often end up being the opposite as they are error-prone and often require driver's attention.
For tests, the voice-activated systems were classified and graded on a distraction scale of 1 to 5. As per the scale, 1 represented no distraction and 5 was comparable to doing complex math problems and word memorization. As per tests, Apple's Siri had received the worst rating of 4.14 and twice the number of test drivers using Siri in a driving simulator resulted in rear-ending another car. Chevrolet's MyLink used in infotainment systems has also not been impressive with scores of 3.7. The device was indeed found to be more distracting for drivers than speaking on a regular hand-held cellphone.
Speaking more on the technology, Annalisa Bluhm, Chevrolet spokeswoman said, “What we continue to see from customers is that they demand this level of technology in their vehicles, that access to music and access to calls is now a critical part of the driving experience and so we're looking at innovative ways to provide that, David Strayer, the University of Utah psychology professor, said, “When these systems become more complex, like sending text messages or posting to Facebook, it pushes the workloads to pretty high levels and may be dangerous while driving.”
