Distracted driving causes thousands of fatalities and hundreds of thousands of injuries each year in the United States. Using a cell phone is a main cause of distraction for drivers on the road. In fact, it is estimated that more than 6 billion text messages are sent every day in the U.S., and texting while driving is strictly prohibited in 47 states. It is also outlawed in the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Virgin Islands.
Mobile phone makers have created new technology to try to reduce the risk of texting while driving. This technology, known as voice-to-text, allows drivers to speak a message to their phone instead of typing it in manually. The phone will then automatically translate the message and allow the person to send it without even touching a button.
What Is Wrong with Voice-to-Text Technology?
While this seems like an ideal solution to reduce distracted driving crashes, studies have shown otherwise. In fact, using voice-to-text while driving has proven to be just as dangerous as traditional texting. What is the reason for this?
Research into the subject has revealed that drivers must focus on the message they are speaking just as much as if they were manually typing it out. This means, even if their eyes are on the road, their ability to see and make quick judgments is drastically lowered. Driving is a complicated activity that requires a lot of focus. When you are speaking a message, your mind will not be able to focus on two things at once. It is like having a conversation with someone and trying to read a book at the same time. Your mind just can’t do it accurately.
Thus, voice-to-text technology does not remedy the issue of distraction. In fact, it poses just as much distraction as traditional texting. In one study, the researchers found that many drivers still looked down at their phones to see if their message was correctly translated. Taking your eyes off the road, even for a couple seconds, could put you at risk for an accident. While the creators of voice-to-text wanted to provide a solution to the problem of distracted driving, all they did was create another means of distraction.
What You Should Do Instead
A distraction is anything that takes your eyes off the road, your hands off the wheel, or your mind off of driving. Using a cell phone, whether you are talking to someone, texting manually, or using voice-to-text, will take your attention away from driving. When you are behind the wheel, the best thing to do is avoid using a cell phone at all. If you do need to check for messages or text someone, you should pull over and wait until your car is parked before using your phone. By taking this precaution, you can reduce your risk of an accident and uphold your duty of care to others on the road.
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Car accidents often result in serious injuries. These may include broken bones, head trauma, spinal cord injuries, burns, lacerations, internal hemorrhaging, and catastrophic injuries. Whatever the situation, the legal team at Alex & Associates will fight diligently on your behalf. If the other driver was drunk, distracted, or reckless, we will work hard to hold him or her responsible in court. Our Phoenix car accident lawyers will conduct a meticulous investigation, negotiate with the insurance company, and tirelessly uphold your right to a settlement.
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