Georgia Injury Law Blog
Using a smartphone while behind the wheel of a car significantly increases your risks of being involved in an auto accident. However, your smartphone is also likely to come with technology that actually reduces the risks of a car accident, but most motorists do not use this important technology.
Many smartphones now come with technology that reduces the distractions that come with using a smartphone in the first place. For example, many smartphones now come with “Do not Disturb” features that drivers can activate when they begin driving to avoid having to deal with answering phone calls and replying to text messages while driving. Such technology is proving to be very useful. In fact, a new study published by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety finds that this technology can be very helpful in reducing distractions and preventing auto accidents.
The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety conducted the survey and found that younger drivers, who are much more likely to use smartphones while driving, are also the most likely to be aware of such technologies in their smartphones. Older drivers are not as likely to be familiar with Do not Disturb features and other apps that can help eliminate distractions at the wheel. However, far too many drivers continue to drive without activating these technologies in their smartphones.
According to researchers, ignorance remains the primary reason why people do not activate these technologies when they are driving a car. Some motorists simply do not know that these technologies exist and while others know that they exist but may not be aware of what they actually do. Other drivers in the survey admitted that they did not use the technologies because they limit their access to music and entertainment systems. This might have been true for older versions of the technology, but newer versions allow for music and entertainment systems to be operated even while calls and text messages are barred altogether.
Another interesting reason for why many of these technologies are not used on smartphones is that many motorists do not want to miss out on any calls or text messages. The FOMO or “fear of missing out” on any call or text messages is real, and is an unfortunate byproduct of growing up in an age where access to technology that connects you to the world is instant and 24/7.
The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety is recommending that awareness of these technologies be promoted via education campaigns and integration into driver licensing programs, as well in the form of in-car alerts that encourage motorists to switch on the call blocking and Do not Disturb features on their phones.
For drivers who do not wish to use this technology, there are systems in cars now that will permit you to hear text messages rather than read them on your telephone. This is certainly far better than reading the phone while driving. If you do not wish to use the Do not Disturb features of your telephone, then you should consider a vehicle with the technology needed to hear your text messages over the car’s speakers.
The Atlanta car accident lawyers at Katz Personal Injury Lawyers are dedicated to the representation of persons who have suffered injuries in car accidents in the metro Atlanta region and across the state of Georgia. If you or a loved one have suffered injuries in a car accident, talk to a lawyer at our firm, and discuss your legal options for a claim for damages. You may qualify for compensation that includes medical expenses, lost income and other forms of damages. Talk to an attorney at our firm and discuss your case. Initial consultations are free.