Yep. It’s official. Cell Phones aren’t the main distraction in cars. According to an AAA study, infotainment systems cause more wrecks across the country than cell phones. Drivers in the study spent an average of forty seconds (40 seconds) messing with their navigation systems. During that time period, a car traveling 25mph can travel the length of several football fields.
If I still need to tell you not to look at a screen while driving, you probably aren’t stopping anytime soon. Most states (including Texas as of September 1,2017) have laws prohibiting distracted driving. Instead of nagging at you to stop driving while distracted, here are some ways to avoid having to mess with your infotainment systems while driving:
- Apps Apps Apps. Use apps to help you navigate, listen to music or podcasts, and more. Waze is a life saver for navigation and Spotify is integrated into Waze for easy song and playlist switching. Start the navigation before you get moving and create a playlist and download the playlist or podcast before you start driving. You’ll save on streaming fees and you won’t kill someone. Win Win.
- Use voice controls. Most cars have bluetooth controls now. With the press of a button, you can control audio, phone, text, email, etc. Make sure you keep your brain engaged on the road.
- Memorize certain controls on your screen so you can change stations, settings, etc. without taking your eyes off the road.
These may seem like common sense, but over 3200 people are killed by distracted driving everyday. Better to get lost than to run someone over. Technology is your friend…be rational and use it.
Shoutout to Jalopnik for the cool article.
-B&T