While car manufacturers claim that newer technologies will improve your safety, that might not be the case. Bold and bright infotainment systems, for example, may create distractions that impair your focus.
A vehicle enabled with Bluetooth capabilities might not reduce distractions as much as you would think unless you understand how to use them responsibly.
Navigating infotainment
Depending on the type of vehicle you drive, your infotainment console could include a number of applications such as the following:
- Music streaming
- Games
- Maps
- Web searching
- Messaging
Because of its Bluetooth connectivity, you can probably leave your phone put away. However, manipulating the touchpad in your vehicle can still distract you and cause an accident. Similarly, using voice controls might also still require you to multitask, which could interfere with your concentration.
Staying focused
Even the most simplified infotainment systems will require some action. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that a staggering 8.7% of car crash fatalities in 2019 resulted from distracted driving.
Some tips to help you stay focused include selecting music and inputting GPS coordinates while stopped. Keep the volume of your music down. You can also instruct your settings to mute notification sounds while you drive. If your Bluetooth disconnects or cannot connect to your device, pull your vehicle over to a safe spot and come to a complete stop before troubleshooting.
Your commitment to safely and responsibly using the technology in your vehicle will not only improve your driving experience but help you stay safer too. Treating your infotainment system like any other distraction can help you avoid complacency and stay vigilant.
