More cars than ever have feature-rich, complex “infotainment” systems to control GPS, set up radio or music playback, make Bluetooth calls via your cell phone, and much more. But while these can be really useful, they can also cause dangerous distractions. An AAA study found that using these systems could distract users and inhibit their ability to respond to red lights and other simulated on-road situations, particularly for seniors. So how can you use your car’s infotainment system safely? Here are a few tips from Natasha Misra Law.
More cars than ever have feature-rich, complex “infotainment” systems to control GPS, set up radio or music playback, make Bluetooth calls via your cell phone, and much more.
But while these can be really useful, they can also cause dangerous distractions. An AAA study found that using these systems could distract users and inhibit their ability to respond to red lights and other simulated on-road situations, particularly for seniors.
So how can you use your car’s infotainment system safely? Here are a few tips from Natasha Misra Law.
If you use GPS to get most places, setting up your destination while your car is stationary and parked is the best way to use your GPS system safely – and avoid typing in addresses and other distractions while driving on the road.
If you need to change your destination, make a phone call, adjust some settings on your infotainment system, or perform other such actions, don’t do so on the road.
Consider pulling into a parking lot or into a safe place on the side of the road to take these actions. This way, you can focus your attention on the task at hand – rather than splitting it between your infotainment system and the road.
Most modern infotainment systems support voice control on their own, and many of them also integrate support for phone-based voice assistance like Apple’s Siri or Google Assistant via Bluetooth.
Using voice commands allows you to do things like make calls, change GPS destinations, and even tune the radio. We recommend consulting your user’s manual to learn more about voice control, and to see how you can use it in your infotainment system.
Even changing the song playing on your infotainment system could distract you from the road for a few seconds at a time – and this could result in a dangerous on-road situation or an accident. Consider setting up a music playlist in advance of your trip so that you don’t have to mess with your tunes while you’re on the road!
If someone’s traveling with you, hand off the responsibilities to them, and ask them to change the song, enter GPS directions, call someone, or take whatever other action you need to do while driving. They can fiddle with the infotainment system all they want without any risks.
Distractions come in many forms when driving, and this can include your vehicle’s built-in infotainment system. So follow these tips from our law firm, and protect yourself, your passengers, and other road users.
Need help getting compensation for an accident? Natasha Misra is an experienced Milwaukee auto accident attorney, and can help you explore your case and your options. Contact us online or give us a call at 414-246-9707 to get started today.
