Connected Cars Present Distracted Driving Hazards

The dangers of texting and driving are well known thanks to years of campaigns educating the public and new legislation outlawing the behavior across the U.S.

However, the latest car designs are raising red flags among experts as their dashboard displays appear to have created a loophole that allows drivers to navigate social media, receive text messages and set up navigation without using their phones.

The growing demand for such screens is causing many to question whether they make drivers safer or more distracted.

Multi-Tasking

Dashboard displays are taking on more and more functionality in an effort to draw in customers who want the information on their phones to be at their fingertips while driving.

Audi's A3 dashboard display shows users Tweets they are mentioned in and displays text messages they've received. Tesla Motors Inc. TSLA is planning to integrate a feature that allows drivers to search for nearby locations using their dashboard screen and Hyundai has made its displays compatible with the Android system and gives users the option to see a version of their phone's display on their dashboard.

Safer?

Car makers say the screens make driving safer because they make smartphone interaction easier and require drivers to look away from the road for shorter periods of time.

Since the buttons and images are much larger than that of a smartphone, some argue that it will prevent drivers from trying to use their mobile phones. Many dashboard screens have also integrated voice control, so the driver can keep both hands on the wheel while using the device.

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More Distractions

However, others say that the screens represent more of a distraction in the car. While satellite navigation systems were applauded as a welcome addition to technology in the car, many say a line should be drawn as to how much is too much when it comes to automobiles. Critics say that the screens may be safer than mobile phones, but that they encourage drivers to do other things while they are operating a vehicle.

What's Next?

As the screens become more advanced and more common, many expect to see new rules governing their use. Safety regulators may require that some features become disabled when the car is in motion. Insurance companies could also start charging more to cover drivers who have access to a screen. For now, the screens remain simply a topic of debate, but their growing popularity is likely to put them under the microscope in the coming years.