Voice-based technologies may increase driver distraction AAA
Although three out of four drivers believe that hands-free technology is safe to use, voice-activated technologies may increase driver distraction, according to new research by the American Automobile Association Foundation for Traffic Safety.
The study results show that developers of the technology can improve its safety by making it less complicated, more accurate and easier to use. In the meantime, AAA encourages drivers to minimize cognitive distraction by limiting the use of most voice-based technologies.
We already know that drivers can miss stop signs, pedestrians and other cars while using voice technologies because their minds are not fully focused on the road ahead, said Bob Darbelnet, chief executive officer of AAA. We now understand that current shortcomings in these products intended as safety products may unintentionally cause greater levels of cognitive distraction.
Some results from the study:
« Systems with low accuracy and reliability generated higher distraction.
« Writing text messages and emails using in-vehicle technologies was more distracting than using the systems to listen to messages.
« The quality of the systemsê voice (whether it was natural or synthetic) did not affect the degree of distraction.
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