Three in four drivers find car technology distracting – survey

Three in four drivers find car technology distracting – survey | Insurance Business Australia

Motor & Fleet

Three in four drivers find car technology distracting – survey

Drivers identify most distracting technologies

Motor & Fleet

By
Roxanne Libatique

In-car technology has become a major cause of driver distraction, with Budget Direct’s latest survey revealing that 75% of Australian drivers found such technology distracting.

The survey examined Australians car owners’ attitudes towards in-car technology, specifically the increasing amount of technology in modern cars.

Budget Direct found that three-quarters of the respondents (75%) deemed in-car technology distracting. Meanwhile, two in three (66%) admitting to missing certain traditional car features.

“While we know that mobile phone usage while driving can be as risky as drink driving, hearing from this survey that three in five drivers find their current car technology can be distracting is a concerning statistic, as multi-tasking can increase a person’s risk of a serious crash,” a Budget Direct spokesperson said.

Most distracting car technologies

The respondents said the most distracting car technologies are:

touchscreen technology;
hand-free mobile phone and speech-to-text technology;
audio-related features;
automated driving technologies; and
audible warning systems.

Among the respondents, 64% rated car safety technology as extremely or very important. However, the survey results highlighted the need for balance in incorporating technology in cars, according to Budget Direct.

“The results are a reminder that while technology can offer increased safety and convenience, it also needs to be implemented thoughtfully to prevent distraction,” a Budget Direct spokesperson said. “Our survey also shows a surprising affinity for some old school features, indicating that a mix of comfort, nostalgia, and simplicity could be key for drivers.”