TAMPA, Fla. -- When discussing distracted driving, using a cell phone is usually the focus. But, what about the infotainment screens equipped in your cars?
A new study by AAA and the University of Utah shows new technology could be safer.
They found that drivers using Apple CarPlay and Google Android Auto were visually and mentally distracted for 15 fewer seconds. They believe that's much better than the ones that come with 2017 and 2018 vehicles.
Tech entrepreneur Cesar Hernandez agrees. He showed off his 2017 Audi equipped with Apple CarPlay.
“You basically transfer all the data onto the display screen and then everything is on your display screen,” he said.
While driving, he was able to send a text message without touching anything or looking anywhere but the road.
In another dangerous circumstance, someone might have broken the law and texted while driving.
“It does show that there’s a blueprint for making these systems safer. ... Automakers can look at how CarPlay and Android Auto are functioning,” said Dr. David Strayer with the University of Utah.
Strayer also said it’s still important to not use anything that’s distracting.
“Remember that the primary job of a driver is to pay attention to the road.”
AAA also said drivers who take their eyes off the road for more than two seconds double their risk of a crash.
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