AAA-sponsored study suggests hands-free does not mean distraction-free.
When most people think of distracted driving, tasks like texting, eating, or doing makeup come to mind. However, it is important to understand that there are actually three types of distractions that can strike while driving: manual, visual, and cognitive. In other words, distractions that take your hands off the wheel, your eyes off the road, or your attention off of driving.
In recent years, hands-free technology, including voice recognition systems, have become popular as a means of combatting distracted driving. These systems can certainly reduce manual and visual distractions, but how do they impact cognitive distractions? The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety recently sponsored a study to find out.
About the Cognitive Distraction Study
The study examined the effect of using 6 different hands-free vehicle voice command systems on the “mental workload” of drivers. Researchers first measured the study participants’ reaction time, heart rate, and other factors during a single-task baseline drive and during a complicated math task to establish high and low baselines for their mental workload.
The participants were instructed on how to use the various hands-free systems, allowed to practice, and then asked to perform specific tasks while driving on a loop through a residential area. The tasks included things like dialing a 10-digit phone number, calling a person already entered as a contact, changing the radio station, and playing a CD.
Based on their findings, the researchers concluded that using a voice recognition system is more distracting than having a natural conversation or listening to the radio. However, what is interesting is that the level of distraction worsened with the number of steps required to complete a task and the number of errors encountered in the process. In other words, the design of the car manufacturer’s voice recognition system and the quality of the software is extremely important in determining the level of cognitive distraction it may present to drivers.
What We Can Learn
This research confirms that “hands-free” does not mean “distraction-free.” If you purchase a vehicle with voice controls, it is extremely important to practice extensively with the system before using it while driving. And if you do happen to get into an accident, be aware that using voice-activated controls could potentially be pointed to as a contributing cause of the accident.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident and you suspect distracted driving played a role in the other driver’s errors, Fernando D. Vargas can help. Call 909-982-0707 now to request a free consultation to discuss the potential of your case.
