It’s human nature to want to get more things done within the shortest time possible, and multi-tasking is usually a great option. Unless, however, you are driving a vehicle. Completing tasks other than driving while behind the wheel means you are distracted. But these behaviors may be so ingrained into your routine that you no longer notice you are doing it.
An accident can occur within seconds of taking your eyes off the road, or while talking on the phone. Once an accident happens, you face a lengthy process that could include repairs to your vehicle, personal injuries, and potential lifelong medical bills. Reducing distracted driving is the responsibility of every driver. Fortunately, new technology is being developed all the time to help drivers focus on the road and get to their destinations safely.
Here is what you should know about distracted driving and how technology can help:
The Cost of Distracted Driving
Distracted drivers in most states face hefty fines, especially if it results in erratic driving behavior such as swerving between lanes unexpectedly. While some states consider using a phone distracted driving, others do not. In Texas, for example, it is still legal to talk on your phone while driving, but the full story lies in the fine print of the state’s traffic laws.
At the very least, driving offenses that arise from distracted driving can result in a fine for violating traffic rules. If you get into an accident, you could also face costly lawsuits, legal fees and medical bills. Lastly, most distracted driving charges will increase your insurance premiums as insurance companies perceive distracted drivers as risky clients.
Driver Monitoring Systems
Car manufacturers have been working to curb distracted driving in their vehicles for some time. Today, many cars come with integrated driver monitoring systems. These systems are also available to be installed as an aftermarket product. These solutions use facial recognition technology to identify whether a driver is focused on the road or not. The system assesses the driver’s head and eye movement and will alert the driver whenever they seem to be distracted.
Other technologies exist to help prevent drivers from falling asleep at the wheel. A computer program assesses the driver’s steering to determine if the driver is drifting off. If the driver falls asleep at the wheel, an alarm will sound, alerting the driver awake. Other programs will also suggest a rest stop after an extended time in the car.
Apps That Prevent Distracted Driving
Since mobile phones are a common cause of distracted driving, app developers and car manufacturers have been working in tandem to prevent distracted driving. This has resulted in the development of apps geared at keeping you off your phone while driving.
The simplest form of this technology is Apple’s DND mode, which comes with every new iPhone. When enabled, the phone will sense driving motion and disable text notifications or send out an automatic reply, telling people the person is driving and will return the message at a later time.
Other mobile apps work in the same way. For instance, the app Drivesafe.ly will read texts and emails aloud for drivers, so they don’t have to look down to see a message. Other apps are designed for parents with teens driving on the road. These apps will inform you if your teen is using their phone while driving.
Car Safety Features
While effective, driver monitoring systems and mobile apps aren’t always fool-proof. Even with these safety measures in place, it is still possible to get into an accident from distracted driving. Car manufacturers have been including safety technology like Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), and Forward Collision Warning (FCW) in their latest vehicle models. These alerts help drivers stay focused on the road by emitting an alarm or warning when drivers seem to be drifting or coming close to other vehicles. These solutions can also help mitigate the risks of driving while distracted.
Conclusion
The best solution to distracted driving is to simply focus on the road when behind the wheel. But until this becomes the norm in today’s society, momentary lapses of attention will continue to be a source of countless accidents and incidents on the road. The technology available today can help keep drivers from becoming distracted and focus their attention on the road.
