October 14, 2008

A survey held recently on car site motors.co.uk reveals that drivers are feeling swamped by the sheer amount of technology in their cars.  Of the 726 respondents more than half (52.9 per cent), said that they would like to see fewer non-essential features in cars to help avoid confusion while behind the wheel. 

Fiddling with sat nav systems and stereo systems were both cited as major driving distractions.  Almost a third of drivers (29.4 per cent), said that their sat nav system too their focus off the road ahead, while more than a fifth (21.6 per cent), said that their music systems, CDs and ipods proved distracting to operate while driving.  Drivers also cited fussy steering wheel buttons as hard to operate while concentrating on the road ahead, ironic when you consider that they were designed to be exactly the opposite of that.

Smoking was noted as a distracting factor by almost a quarter on the respondents (23.5 per cent), while eating and drinking are viewed as a hindrance by 7.8 per cent of drivers.  Children (9.8per cent) and pets (5per cent) made up, non car related distractions that were identified by drivers.  Given that cars have been fitted with cigarette lighters for time immemorial and many cars are now fitted with cup holders it’s fair to say that drinking and smoking behind the wheel while not positively encouraged are certainly expected.  The 170 drivers that say they find smoking while behind the wheel to be a distraction, shouldn’t smoke while they are driving.

Katie Armitage, Marketing Manager for motors.co.uk said:  “Many modern cars are filled with gadgets and gizmos and for many drivers are seen as not only confusing to use but also a major cause of distraction for both themselves and other drivers. On the back of these findings we are urging manufacturers to ‘Go back to Basics’ and to consider the safety of drivers and how they use the add-ons with the emphasis being placed on not losing concentration.”

The Survey has given a list of the nations favourite and least loved gadgets.

Top gadgets we love:

1. Parking sensors – particularly the ones that give ample warning that you’re getting too close! A boon if your car is too big for your ability, maybe a big 4x4.

2. Simple, easy to use sat-nav. The one offered as an option in the new Honda Jazz, it’s simple and easy to use.

3. Cars that turn off at traffic lights whenever you have the clutch depressed and your foot on the brake.  Mini, Citroen, and BMW, all offer cars with Start/Stop technology to further cut fuel consumption and emissions. The car will automatically restart when you lift the clutch to pull away again. 

Top gadgets we loathe:

1. Cars with touch-screen controls as it is too easy to hit the wrong button while on the move – on some Jags, Audis and VW’s.

2. Cars that’ll let you lock your keys inside. This can be particularly distressing for parents if young children are trapped.

3. Cruise control: Viewed as great if you’re on a long, high-speed journey across Italy, Germany or France, but pointless on the UK’s busy roads. But there's no compulsion to use it and it makes motorway journeys easier on the right leg.

The survey confirms that as modern technology takes up a greater space in our cars and our lives it’s easy for it to hinder our progress, rather than make our lives easier, as it should.  Technology should seek to make our lives easier, rather than just add options for us to use while at the wheel.

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