If you own a newer vehicle, then it likely has a lot of advanced technology. You may even have opted to get additional features, such as driving assistance or backup cameras.
In some vehicles, the advanced technological features allow you to play videos, have a computer talk to you and provide you the ability to operate certain things by voice. While this may seem convenient, the New York Times notes that sometimes automotive technology may do more harm than good.
Cognitive distractions
The biggest issue with all this technology is that it takes your mind off of driving. Automakers may be trying to help you drive more safely, but they failed to realize that when you are fiddling with the technology, you are not paying attention to the road. Essentially, the same things that are supposed to help you drive safe are having the opposite result.
Cognitive distractions are just as bad as other types. When your mind is not completely focused on the task at hand, it opens the door for you to miss something important happening on the road, which can result in an accident.
Advancements
The good news is that automakers can continue to improve these systems to make them safer. The technology can be beneficial, but it needs to be simplified. Complex systems open the door to issues that would distract you. For example, if your vehicle allows you to make calls by using voice commands, but the system often does not work, then it is not helpful and could be a distraction. On the other hand, if that system works flawlessly, then it is more likely to keep you less distracted.
In the end, technology can be good, but it can also be a distraction. It is a good idea to ensure you know how the different systems in your vehicle work and only use them if they do not become evasive and take your focus off of driving.
