Infotainment Systems Myth vs Fact

MYTH: My car came with an infotainment system. Since it’s built into my car, it must be safe.

FACT: An NSC survey found more than 50 percent of drivers believe this myth.

But technologies that allow drivers to make handsfree calls and use voice commands to dictate texts and emails, change music and update social media can be distracting to drivers – even if they are built into the vehicle. In fact, the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety found drivers doing some voice tasks via infotainment systems may remain distracted for as long as 27 seconds after they finish a task.

MYTH: I know distracted driving is dangerous, but I can’t afford to miss calls, emails or text messages. My job depends on it.

FACT: Car crashes are the #1 cause of workplace deaths with distracted driving as a leading factor in road fatalities. Fortunately, more employers are recognizing this hazardous expectation of always being connected and they are doing something about it.

Dozens of Fortune 500 companies have adopted cell phone policies, banning the use of phones while driving. By eliminating this deadly distraction, employers are keeping their workforce safer. NSC has developed a free Safe Driving Kit to help employers keep their workers safe.

www.nsc.org/safedrivingkit

MYTH: Most car crashes are caused by malfunctions such as faulty brakes, blown tires or engine problems.

FACT: On the contrary, 94 percent of crashes are caused by driver error. Therefore, nearly all of the crashes that happen on our roadways are 100 percent PREVENTABLE.

A leading cause of these human errors?

Distractions.

• Distraction leads to driver error

• 7% of all drivers at any given time are using their phones while driving.

A NHTSA survey finds 660,000 drivers using cell phones or manipulating electronic devices while driving at any given daylight moment

• Drivers talking on phones, hand-held or hands-free, miss seeing up to 50% of what is around them like: - other drivers - pedestrians - bicyclists

• Before you start your car, turn off your phone and Just Drive