Can Technology Offer a Safer Route Past Drowsy or Distracted Driving?

Operating a motor vehicle demands our full attention. However, distracted and drowsy driving remain leading sources of motor vehicle accidents, causing countless injuries and fatalities each year. While technology has promised solutions, the rise of new assisted driving tools also raises questions: Can they be part of the answer, or do they merely introduce new risks? The Tiemann Law Firm has answers. Check the info below to learn more.

Definitions and Danger

Distracted driving encompasses activities like texting, talking on the phone, and using navigation systems, all of which divert one’s focus from the road. Drowsy driving involves getting behind the wheel when sleep deprived. Both are dangerous:

• The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that in 2020, 9 people were killed every day in crashes involving distracted drivers.
• In terms of drowsy driving, a study published in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine found that drivers with severe sleep apnea were 7.8 times more likely to be involved in a car crash than those without the condition.

Grim numbers. But can voice commands, like those offered by Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, act as a safety net?

The Verdict on Voice Commands

Proponents argue that voice commands offer a hands-free alternative to traditional in-car distractions, allowing drivers to keep their eyes on the road and hands on the wheel. Features like voice-activated navigation, music selection, and phone calls minimize the need to physically interact with the car’s systems. However, our lawyers would like to warn you that these potential benefits come with caveats:

1. Complex voice commands can still be cognitively demanding, diverting attention away from the road.
2. Voice recognition systems, though advanced, are not foolproof and may misinterpret commands, leading to frustration and potentially unsafe maneuvers.
3. Reliance on voice commands can lull drivers into a false sense of security, potentially masking underlying fatigue or inattentiveness.

The Verdict: A Cautious Approach

While voice commands show promise, ultimately, the responsibility for safe driving lies with the individual. By understanding the risks and exercising caution, we can all contribute to making our roads safer for everyone.

Injured in a motor vehicle accident? We can help! Our personal injury attorneys will bring more than 25 years of experience to bear and fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free, same-day consultation by calling (916) 999-9000 or toll-free: (800) 712-2000.