The car tech that helps keep drivers focused on the road

Many vehicles offer built-in technologies to help motorists focus on driving safely. iStock

By Sanjay Salomon @SanjaySalomon

April 20, 2016

3 minutes to read

April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month, when policymakers and law enforcement urge motorists to keep their eyes on the road when they’re driving.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, distracted driving was responsible for 3,129 vehicle fatalities in 2014.

Fortunately, many vehicles offer several built-in technologies to help drivers stay focused on the road. Some features, like voice activation systems, can free up a driver’s hands. Others, like heads-up displays, project important information within the driver’s line of sight.

But while these features are helpful in fighting distractions they are not a panacea, warns John Paul of AAA Southern New England, also known as Boston.com’s “Car Doctor.’’ Ultimately, only drivers can keep themselves, their passengers and other motorists safe by staying focused on driving.

“If you look at driving at its most basic sense, it’s speeding up, slowing down and pointing the car,’’ said Paul. “You have to make sure the technology in the car doesn’t take away from that primary purpose.

“Some of those technologies are helping the driver to remain as focused as possible but the driver needs to take responsibility to be safe behind the wheel,’’ he said.

Bluetooth

Many vehicles today are equipped with Bluetooth technology that allows drivers to synch their vehicle’s audio and infotainment systems with their smartphones. This connection allows drivers to make calls or select a song from their personal music library without picking up a phone.

However, a recent study warns that hands-free driving features do not mean motorists are distraction-free. Research by AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety found hands-free technologies can mentally distract drivers for as much as 27 seconds after a conversation.

Heads-up displays

These systems work by projecting important information, such as the vehicle’s speed or fuel level, on a small display right in the driver’s line of sight allowing them to glance at the information and keep their eyes on the road.

Some vehicles offer a small screen above the steering wheel, while other vehicles use a light projection to display the information.

In addition to important information, heads up displays can also show less important information, like radio station identification.

Voice-activated technology

Many vehicles offer voice-activated systems that use audio cues to perform tasks. For example, the driver can speak to enter a destination into a vehicle’s navigation, check traffic or adjust their infotainment system.

A 2013 study conducted by researchers from both the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and MIT found voice systems offered by some automakers were very effective at keeping drivers’ attention focused on the road. But the study found they do no eliminate distractions altogether.

Lane departure warnings

While some technologies are designed to prevent distracted driving behavior, other technologies help drivers after they have lost focus on the road.

For example, lane departure warnings use a combination of sensors and cameras to detect when a vehicle has drifted outside of its designated lane. If the system detects the vehicle is straying from its intended course, it can alert the driver with either an audio alert, flashing a light or vibration in the steering wheel or seat.

The IIHS says it’s too early to tell if lane departure warnings are effective because not enough data exists to confirm they are preventing collisions.

Automatic braking

Another post-distraction technology that kicks in after a driver has taken their focus off the road is automatic emergency braking (AEB) systems. These systems use a combination of radar and sensor information to detect if a vehicle is heading for a rear-end collision or if the driver is not responding quickly enough to prevent a crash.

According to IIHS, about one in four vehicles is equipped with an AEB or has it as an available option. IIHS says AEBs have the potential to save lives or at least significantly reduce the severity of a crash.

Teen focused tech

The Centers for Disease Control identified motor vehicle crashes as the leading cause of death for U.S. teenagers between 16 and 19 years old. Several automakers have taken note and are adding teen-focused technology to their vehicles to reduce potential distractions.

For example, General Motors has “Teen Driver’’ system built into the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu. The system can monitor driving habits and give the teen (and his or her parents) a report card. It also mutes the audio system if the driver or other occupants aren’t wearing seat belts.

Meanwhile, Ford’s MyKey technology mutes a vehicle’s radio to remind teens to fasten their seat belts, limits the audio systems’ radio, and features a “Do Not Disturb’’ option that blocks incoming calls and text messages when synched with a teen’s smartphone.