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Voice-Activated Systems Do Little To Keep Focus On Driving

Updated: Tuesday, January 22 2013, 07:34 AM CST
California just enacted a ban on texting while driving similar to Austin's in that it does allow texting if your phone is equipped with voice-activated technologies to convert your speech into text.  But the limited ban is not enough according to safety experts.  The National Safety Council has been pushing for a total ban on cell phone use while driving since 2009.   Janet Froetscher with the National Safety Council says, There is no research or evidence that indicates voice-activated technologies eliminate or even reduce the distraction to the drivers' mind."

Virginia Tech's Transportation Institute recently did a study comparing standard texting behind the wheel with voice activated systems.  The drivers using voice-activated systems did a little bit better, especially receiving messages.  But sending even a simple text message like "I'm stuck in traffic" took more effort and concentration to compose and send, that means you still end up focusing on the text and not your driving.

The problem of the distracted driver is why KEYE TV is involved in a year-long effort to make our streets a "No Text Zone."  To learn more follow the link.

Link:
KEYE TV No Text Zone   http://www.keyetv.com/news/features/ntz/

By Fred CantVoice-Activated Systems Do Little To Keep Focus On Driving