In a first of its kind study, federal transportation officials have surveyed crashes associated with automated driving systems or driver assisted systems. They found more than 500 crashes and six deaths over the past 10 months. The study cited 130 crashes since July 2021 linked to automated driving systems (ADS), which are not yet available for purchase by the public. One crash resulted in a serious injury. ADS is an entirely hands-free technology. There were 392 crashes linked to driver assisted systems (ADAS), which are in limited use on U.S. roadways. There were six fatalities and … [Read more...]
Voice-control systems tax drivers
December 16, 2013 by 1 Comment
Drivers using voice-controlled systems take their eyes off the road more than expected, safety researchers have found. The total "glance time" for some interactive tasks appeared to exceed the federal guidelines for visual-manual interactions by drivers. The MIT study delivered a mix of good and bad news: "Both positive features and concerns associated with the use of the voice interface were identified." Age seemed to be linked with the challenges of using these interactive dashboard systems: The results suggested that older drivers tended to be more distracted than younger subjects, … [Read more...]
In-dash hands-free flunks test
June 12, 2013 by 1 Comment
Citing "a looming public safety crisis" from in-vehicle communications technologies, AAA released a study that again concludes hands-free is not risk free. "Just because a new technology does not take the eyes off the road does not make it safe," said the report from David Strayer's team at the University of Utah. AAA predicts a "five-fold increase in infotainment systems in new vehicles by 2018." "A rush to voice-based interactions in the vehicle may have unintended consequences that adversely affect vehicle safety," the researchers concluded. The report came a day after Apple … [Read more...]
Hands-free texting OK’d in California
July 14, 2012 by 4 Comments
Californians soon will be free to use hands-free technology to text message while driving, under a measure signed into law Friday. The bill's sponsor called passage "a huge victory for commuters." Assemblyman Jeff Miller, R-Corona, pushed through the relatively low profile AB 1536. He cited the burden of current distracted driving limits on business people who spend so much time in vehicles: "I can relate to the frustration of many Californians who were unable to communicate with friends, family and business partners while driving because it is currently against the law to operate text … [Read more...]
DOT ‘guidelines’ for auto tech
February 16, 2012 by 2 Comments
The Information Super Highway and real highways aren't a good mix, federal regulators say. The Department of Transportation has issued "proposed voluntary guidelines" for automakers who offer digital entertainment and information systems on their vehicles' dashboards. The electronic distraction guidelines include a call to automakers to block text messaging, Internet browsing and social-media use while the vehicle is not stopped and parked. There is also a 2-second limit on driver activity that requires taking their eyes off the road. Drivers would not be able to manually enter the standard … [Read more...]
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