Technology has its advantages and disadvantages when used in vehicles. The rise of cell phone use, for example, led to an increase in distracted driving accidents.
At the same time, certain technology added to new vehicles is helping to reduce crashes. So, technology is both helping and hurting safe driving.
Advantages of technology
Within the automotive industry, there are many new advances that have made vehicles safer and helped to reduce driver error. Backup cameras have likely prevented countless backover accidents, while lane assist features help keep drivers from straying out of their lane and causing head-on collisions. Hands-free calling has also helped to reduce distracted driving from cell phone use. So, there are many good things technology is doing within the industry.
Disadvantages of technology
As vehicles become more advanced, technology can become a distraction for a driver. The ability to watch movies on the center console, for example, is a huge issue that could take the driver’s attention off the road.
Automated systems have also been problematic. Drivers become too reliant and these systems are not foolproof just yet. Plus, they can also be distracting if a driver is not clear on how to use them. That can be an issue with any type of technology meant to help. It is a thin line between helpful and harmful in some cases.
Technology can be good and bad for drivers. The bottom line is for drivers to be smart about using these systems, make sure they understand how to use them correctly and avoid becoming too reliant on them.
