Each new generation of vehicles comes with new productivity, functionality, safety, and entertainment features. These features are essentially designed to make our lives less stressful.
With that said, some of these features can backfire and cause our drive to actually become more dangerous. Research shows that car infotainment systems have the potential to place drivers and others on the road at an increased risk of accidents and injuries.
If you or someone you love was injured in a distracted driving car accident, you should consult with an experienced car accident attorney to seek financial damages from the negligent parties.
Minimal Regulations for Car Infotainment Systems
Infotainment systems are essentially a single hub for motorists to control air conditioning, music, phone calls, and more. They are supposed to reduce driver distraction but don’t always work as intended. The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety released a report stating that car infotainment systems cause drivers to pay less attention to the road. This is regardless of their age and intent.
There are no special laws dictating the use of infotainment systems. In most states, only television receivers are forbidden from being installed in the view of drivers. In fact, infotainment systems providing the following features are exempted from any rules in the US:
- Electronic map displays.
- Rear-view cameras and other close-circuit cameras.
- Visual displays provide drivers with a better view of occupants.
There is no legislation prohibiting drivers from searching radio stations, playing music, or adjusting controls. This is even when they are driving in heavy traffic.
Infotainment Systems Increase the Risk of Accidents
Infotainment systems are installed in almost all types of automobiles. Anything that can distract a car driver can potentially cause an accident. When drivers operate infotainment systems or fiddle with the controls, they essentially take their eyes off the road. This results in:
- Slower reaction times.
- Increased likelihood of missing potholes, stopped vehicles, and other roadway obstacles that can cause an accident.
- Reduced ability to make quick decisions.
Older Drivers at a Higher Risk of Distractions
Research shows that older people experience manual, visual, and cognitive distractions when using car infotainment systems. These can limit a driver’s ability to pay attention to where they are going on the road.
The AAA research checked different types of infotainment systems to identify the level of attention required. Almost all infotainment systems required a high degree of attention to work the controls.
Additional research showed that younger drivers experience less delayed response times as compared to drivers between the age of 55 and 75 years. This may be because of different expertise and approaches to technology.
In-Vehicle Safety Features are Not Always Helpful
It is possible that features that are built into an infotainment system may not have the intended effect. The primary goal of a driver is to use their voices for controlling the features. Drivers may not put any time or effort into learning these safety features. Instead, they will use touchscreen functionality and the things they already know.
In addition, drivers are prone to ignoring perfunctory flash warnings about not using the infotainment system when the car is in motion. Time is of the essence when it comes to car accidents. If you or someone you love was injured in a car crash that was because of the reckless actions of another, you should not delay consulting with a personal injury attorney.
You may not know whether your accident was caused by an infotainment system, but an experienced car accident attorney will perform an intensive investigation that identifies all the causes and responsible parties for the crash.
Filing a Personal Injury Lawsuit for Distracted Driving
The use of infotainment systems is not completely forbidden, but there are laws against reckless and distracted driving. Your car accident attorney will use evidence to show that the other driver caused the accident. For instance, the crash may have occurred because the motorist was busy fiddling with the climate control or browsing through radio stations.
Your car accident attorney will show that the other driver bears legal and financial responsibility for the crash. It can be difficult to prove that the crash occurred because the other driver was driving distractedly. It takes a profound and solid personal injury attorney to establish the cause of an accident without doubt by:
- Requisitioning surveillance camera footage, police reports, and witness testimony that indicates the potential causes and circumstances of a crash.
- Evaluating the degree of attention required in working the infotainment system.
- Investigating whether any adjustments or alterations are made to the infotainment system which could have played a role in the crash.
- Subpoenaing the vehicle’s electronic data recorder or black box information to check which systems were being used when the crash occurred.
Talk to a Skilled and Knowledgeable Atlanta Personal Injury Attorney
The experienced car accident attorneys at Fox Injury Law can help you obtain the maximum compensation you are entitled to for your medical bills, loss of income, and pain and suffering. Our firm believes that injured victims should not have to pay for the negligent behavior of a distracted driver, and we will do whatever it takes to protect your right to compensation.
To set up your free consultation with one of our lawyers, call us today or reach us online.
