These days, new cars are full of fancy technological features and gadgets. These features can help you navigate traffic, play your favorite songs and accept incoming phone calls with ease. At the touch of a finger, you can easily access a wide variety of information and entertainment, all while driving your vehicle. Unfortunately, this new in-vehicle technology is making older drivers more dangerous on the road.
According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, technological advancements impact older drivers the most. Drivers between the ages of 55 and 75 have difficulty handling this new in-vehicle technology. When performing tasks, older drivers take their attention off the road for an average of five to nine seconds longer than younger drivers. For example, older drivers took nine seconds longer to enter navigation information into their GPS devices. Also, finding audio entertainment took older drivers seven seconds longer on average. Why is this so dangerous? According to AAA, taking your eyes off the road for more than two seconds actually doubles your risk of getting into a distracted driving crash.
Are Safety Features Also Distracting for Older Drivers?
Along with GPS and infotainment systems, today’s new cars come equipped with a variety of safety features. These features alert drivers to dangers on the road and attempt to keep them safe. Unfortunately, these features can also cause distractions. For example, lane departure warnings, rear-view cameras and blind-spot detection are some of the safety features that distract drivers. In fact, a new survey found that nearly 30 percent of all drivers admitted that warning sounds caused distraction while driving. This percentage increases when you ask older drivers exclusively. Finally, the new survey also shows that one in four drivers finds these features so distracting that they disable them completely.
Contact Your Tallahassee Car Accident Lawyers Today
If you suffered an injury in a Tallahassee car accident, then you should know where to turn for help. Often times, you may need money to pay for expenses and damages. Yet, insurance companies are not often willing to settle fairly. That is why the injured need a law firm on their side that will fight for them and their rights. At Milles Law, we have what it takes to tackle even the most complex car accident cases, including cases involving in-vehicle technology. This is why so many injured Tallahassee drivers choose us to represent them after a crash. For a free consultation and review of your case, call us today at (855) 553-3310 or fill out our confidential contact form. We have offices in Tallahassee and Santa Rosa Beach and would love the opportunity to meet with you and review your case.