Technology is a part of almost everybody’s daily life and, with such a high demand for consumer-friendly gadgets, it’s only going to become more and more integrated into our routines. In fact, the consumer electronic markets saw revenue of almost £24 billion last year, according to Statista.
Almost every adult has a smartphone and it’s more than likely the vast majority of owners use their device every day. So, as tech becomes increasingly advanced and more accessible than ever before, is the abundance of gadgets inside our vehicles contributing to road accidents?
That’s exactly what Jardine Motors sought to uncover in its research on the world of tech available to motorists. Let’s take a look at the effects our gadgets have on the road and how we could prevent it in the future.
Mobile phones
It’s no surprise that mobile phones would make it into this article. Available since Motorola pioneered the ‘Personal Phone’ in 1992, it’s a gadget that has evolved significantly over the years.
With so many phones in pockets, research has found that half of all drivers between the ages of 25 and 34 admitted to making or receiving calls when driving. Besides breaking the law, what are the consequences? You might not be surprised to know that experts say you’re four times more likely to crash and, if texting or typing, the multiplier jumps up to six.
Although texting while driving has been illegal since 2003, the laws were expanded in March 2022 to be more inclusive of the new processes that our gadgets can accomplish. It doesn’t just cover mobile phones, but any device capable of connecting to the internet. This includes tablets, sat navs and any other device that can “send and receive data”. If you’re caught breaking one of these rules, you could face six points on your licence and a £200 fine.
How can you avoid all of these horrible punishments? It’s very simple – don’t look at your phone while driving. If you do need to be on a call in transit, consider connecting your device to the Bluetooth system or invest in a hands-free headset.
Headphones
Just as mobile phones have evolved significantly over the years, so have the accessories you can use them with. Headphones come in the box with most smartphones and usually have a microphone attached for hands-free phone calls, as well as listening to media.
According to an Audio Analytics survey, 97 per cent of us think it’s dangerous to wear headphones while behind the wheel. Additionally, 37 per cent of respondents had found themselves in a dangerous situation while using them.
It’s not illegal in the UK to be driving whilst wearing headphones, although police do have the right to penalise you for not being in line with the due care and attention act if you’re pulled over with them on. Moreover, driving safely requires a lot of attention and research has shown we react faster to sound rather than sight. Perhaps it’s best to listen to the radio or connect your device to the Bluetooth feature in your vehicle.
The tech making our vehicles safer
Don’t worry – it’s not all gloom. The evolution of technology is really not a bad thing at all. In fact, plenty of gadgets are installed in modern vehicles to make them much safer. Think about parking assist tools like sensors that beep to prevent collisions, or rear-view cameras that give you more visibility when reversing.
There’s no slowdown either, with new tech on the horizon including automation and the development of blind spot warning systems that can detect oncoming threats. New gadgets that make driving safer are eagerly anticipated, with 64 per cent of drivers wanting to see this implemented in their vehicles.
The bottom line is that when you’re driving, make sure you’re prioritising the safety of yourself and those around you. If we all stick to the rules, we can lap up the brilliant new tech vehicles are receiving while enjoying the open road.
Photo credit: Jardine Motors
