There is plenty of evidence to show that distracted driving is a serious issue that leads to many traffic accidents worldwide. While the stereotype is often that it is younger drivers that are involved in most of these accidents, the facts are often quite different. Keep reading to learn how older drivers are more likely to be distracted by technology while driving and then contact The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker at 800-333-0000 for a free legal consultation.
So-Called Infotainment Systems Are Confusing to Seniors
The study looked at what is known as infotainment systems. They may make it easier for some people to find their favorite song, use GPS to get to a new address, and perform other tasks but they can be seriously dangerous for seniors who are not used to this type of distraction in their vehicles.
The Specifics of the Study
The study found that these screens are not only unhelpful for seniors but they can be very distracting. This is because they cause drivers to shift their attention to the screen and then to the road and back and forth again. This can get very risky if the glances are long or too frequent. During the study, researchers discovered that drivers who were over 55 years old were eight seconds slower than millennials while using certain functions, including calling and navigation.
These few seconds can be very serious. In fact, removing your eyes from the road you are driving on for just two seconds can double the chances of being involved in a car accident. Unfortunately, that is not the end of the problem either. Vehicle commands that are designed specifically to keep a driver’s eyes on the road can be distracting; when commands are not understood, drivers can become distracted.
Safety Experts Have Specific Recommendations
The news is not all bad: Safety experts have recommendations that they believe could help reduce these accidents. First, they warn that it is best to pull over to the side of the road any time technology becomes distracting. Second, they recommend that all navigation programming should be done before the driver starts. Finally, they encourage that car companies work to change these infotainment systems, pointing out that by 2030 more than 20% of drivers on the roads will be over the age of 65.
If you have been injured in an accident, whether distracted driving was involved or not, then you may have grounds to file a personal injury claim or lawsuit. The next step is to contact The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker at 800-333-0000 for a free legal consultation. We can carefully consider your case to find the best way forward. Call us today and let us help you get the compensation you are owed.
