Are Smartphone Apps Less Distracting than Vehicle Infotainment Systems?
Are Smartphone Apps Less Distracting than Vehicle Infotainment Systems?

Vehicle infotainment systems are a draw for many consumers. These systems are often quite complex and have a myriad of capabilities, from GPS navigation to facilitating phone calls and more. However, a new study by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety shows that these in-car systems are actually more distracting for drivers than smartphone apps like Google Android Auto and Apple Carplay, which perform comparable tasks.

The study was based on the visual and mental demands required of drivers to complete tasks through the in-vehicle and smartphone infotainment systems. The smartphone apps were about five seconds faster when making phone calls, and about 15 seconds faster at programming navigation, than the average factory-installed vehicle infotainment system. That is 24% faster and 31% faster, respectively. Unfortunately, even vehicle infotainment systems designed for hand-free use were found to be quite distracting for drivers.

Critical Difference Between Vehicle and Smartphone Systems

Researchers say this difference is critical for drivers. Drivers double their risk of a crash by taking their eyes off the road for longer than two seconds, and distracted driving results in 3,500 deaths every year.

Although the Auto and Carplay apps are less distracting for drivers than vehicles’ native systems, they are still distracting. AAA rated the apps as “moderately demanding,” with native systems deemed “very highly demanding.” The AAA Foundation recommends that automakers work with app developers to come up with safer infotainment systems for vehicles.

“The convenience of using vehicle infotainment systems while driving is not worth the risk of being seriously distracted behind the wheel,” said Attorney Walter Clark, founder of Walter Clark Legal Group.

Our firm has been handling personal injury cases throughout the California Low Desert and High Desert communities for over 30 years. With a 95% success rate, the California personal injury attorneys at Walter Clark Legal Group will fight to hold those responsible for your loss accountable and win compensation to cover medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. If you have been injured in an auto accident and want to discuss your legal options, contact us today for a free consultation with an experienced personal injury lawyer. We have offices in Indio, Rancho Mirage, Victorville, El Centro, and Yucca Valley, and represent clients through the entire California Low Desert and High Desert communities.

DISCLAIMER: The Walter Clark Legal Group blog is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended as legal or medical advice. References to laws are based on general legal practices and vary by location. Information reported comes from secondary news sources. We do handle these types of cases, but whether or not the individuals and/or loved ones involved in these accidents choose to be represented by a law firm is a personal choice we respect. Should you find any of the information incorrect, we welcome you to contact us with corrections.

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