Technology can help alleviate distracted driving

Technological advancements have improved life for people globally, but in many cases, there has been a lag time, disconnect or outright contradiction between what the technologies can effectively do and what is a higher and better end use. For instance, many Florida drivers find the increased capabilities of ‘smart” cars enticing but also distracting from the task of driving. However, recent applications are focusing on making smart cars safer cars.

Distracted driving is rapidly becoming what many call an epidemic, approaching and passing in some cases the dangers of drunk driving, as some road safety experts contend. Cellphone use, and specifically texting, is often blamed as the main culprit, but there are three primary ways a driver can be distracted. Distraction involves a driver not keeping hands on the wheel, not keeping eyes on the road or failing to maintain a cognitive connection with driving.

The various applications built in to new vehicles plus those available on hand-held devices offer a variety of options for drivers; inappropriate use can be distracting, but proper use can be beneficial. Leaving that choice up to individual drivers has had mixed results. More recent options include artificial intelligence applications to monitor real-time occurrences within the vehicle to potentially forewarn and hopefully prevent incidents of risky behavior. Of course, the question remains whether drivers will respond to alarm-like monitoring while driving or simply become inured to the warnings and continue on as usual.

Ultimately, safe driving in a reasonable manner is every driver’s responsibility whenever they are behind the wheel. Driver distraction can cause injury accidents that victims may want to have assessed and evaluated by an experienced personal injury lawyer.