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Voice-activated Applications on Your Dashboard Are Just As Distracting as Hands-Free Devices

Do voice-activated applications really make for safer use while driving? A study conducted by AAA suggests otherwise.

For a long time, voice-activated applications have been hailed as the solution to distracted driving. According to new research by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, however, such applications may actually be just as distracting as handheld devices.

While commercial technology typically aims to allow users to get more done, the study showed that having more commands and more information available causes more distractions.

Where the Problem Lies

Composing messages and emails is more distracting than simply listening to incoming messages, the survey found, and the quality of the system voice didn’t seem to have any bearing on distraction levels one way or the other. According to the report, drivers don’t notice stop signs, pedestrians, and other cars when using voice technologies. Tests using heart-rate monitors and other equipment for measuring reaction time found that systems with low accuracy and reliability caused the highest levels of distraction. Siri, Apple’s iOS personal voice assistant, for example, was found to generate a relatively high level of mental distraction.

Comparing Different Cars

The report went deeper into the different levels of distraction on different devices. It evaluated the two most common voice-based interactions that take place: changing radio stations and voice dialing. The report showed that the Toyota Entune system generated the lowest cognitive distraction ranking. The Chevrolet MyLink had a slightly higher level of cognitive distraction, while Hyundai Blue Link and the Chrysler Uconnect have the highest distraction levels.

Addressing the Distraction Problem

AAA has called for developers to address their systems’ mental distraction factors, which include accuracy, complexity, and time. Simplifying these systems’ operations seems to be the key to making them safe and effective in the future. For now, drivers need to be aware of the fact that hands-free technology and voice-activated applications can be distracting.

Do you think that, with the proper adjustments, voice-activated applications will improve safety?

Image courtesy of Flickr

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