Would you pass a distracted driving test?  The Washington Post recently sent a reporter for a distracted driving test with researchers from the American Automobile Association.  The simulated “road test” was conducted in a large parking lot in Maryland to evaluate the safety of various navigation systems and “infotainment” screens installed in the dashboard of many of the new vehicles offered on the market today.

The test was designed to study the effect of hands-free navigation technology and various distractions on driver performance.  The reporter was asked to click a button each time a buzzer vibrated against his skin, designed to simulate various distractions from behind the wheel.

The results were surprising.  The majority of the test subjects did not pass a distracted driving test.  The reporter for the Washington Post noted that even at 10 mph he had trouble processing the in-dash information screen when distracted by the buzzer.  The test was repeated on several different drivers and compared built-in navigation systems with those contained within most cell phones.  Surprisingly, the test found built-in navigations systems were harder to use amidst distraction than navigation systems contained within the cell phones.

The question “Would you pass a distracted driving test?” may be best answered by your willingness to silence your cell phone prior to driving and place it out of reach and sight.  Distracted driving has become one of the leading causes of car accidents resulting in injury across Kentucky and throughout the United States.  Distracted driving is usually categorized to include the use of a cell phone to make a phone call, text or email, accessing a built-in infotainment system, as well as common activities such as eating and drinking while driving or talking to other passengers in your vehicle.

Unfortunately, many accidents involving distracted drivers occur “at speed” resulting in heavy impacts which lead to serious injuries such as head trauma, broken bones or back and neck injuries.  If you have been injured in a Louisville car accident we invite you to contact HLH or call (866) 583-9701 to speak with one of our experienced personal injury attorneys for a free consultation.  Learn about successful track record, decades of experience and how HLH will work aggressively to achieve the best possible outcome in your case.