Isn’t it ironic that technology designed to make our lives easier sometimes does the opposite?
That’s the case with many car features — many of which consumers see as must-haves or nice-to-haves.
However, the reality is that the 16 popular car features mentioned in this article are nothing but distractions for motorists.
Touchscreen Infotainment Systems
Let’s face it. Motorists love their touchscreen infotainment systems. But while they can be helpful, they are often more of a liability than a benefit. Infotainment screens these days are so detailed that drivers take their eyes off the road ahead to shift through the menus. If your car has one, it can take forever to find what you want or adjust different settings.
Voice-Controlled Systems
While voice-controlled systems can be useful if you want to adjust settings with the sound of your voice, they can also be distracting. That’s especially true if you must repeat commands until the voice-controlled system understands and reacts how you want. Again, this can divert your attention from where it should be — the road.
Smartphone Integration
What’s not to love about Apple Carplay and Android Auto? There’s nothing wrong with these apps. In fact, they’re godsends. The problem with software integration is that it increases potential distractions since drivers may feel the urge to text, access apps, and do other things.
Touchscreen Climate Control
Life was simpler when climate control only required dials or switches. But the times have changed, and it’s not uncommon to see climate controls integrated into touchscreens in modern cars. However, adjusting the temperature or fan using the touchscreen can divert your attention from driving —even if for only a moment. That’s a major drawback.
Built-in Wi-Fi Hotspots
Built-in Wi-Fi hotspots are great for passengers, but the problem is if the driver gets tempted to take advantage of that feature while driving. It’s one thing if the driver does so after pulling over or parking somewhere, but it’s another if they do so on the street or freeway.
Do you have the discipline to say no to Wi-Fi when behind the steering wheel? If not, the Wi-Fi hotspot feature is more a hindrance than a help.
Heads-Up Display
While a heads-up display is designed to lessen distractions, it can be just as distracting as turning your head to look at a screen. It depends on the placement of the heads-up display. So, if you’re considering a car with this feature, try out the heads-up display to see if it’s a keeper.
Gesture Controls
Gesture controls seem like a good idea. Gesturing with your hand, rather than pressing buttons or turning dials manually, sounds appealing. And if once you get it down pat, it can work. But it’ll take time to learn the proper gestures to get the desired response. That learning curve could, if you “practice” on the road, get you into trouble if you’re not careful.
Adaptive Cruise Control
Adaptive cruise control is an advanced version of cruise control. With it, your vehicle will maintain a safe distance from other cars while observing the speed limit. Used responsibly, adaptive cruise control makes sense, especially on long trips.
However, some drivers may come to rely on it too much, disengage, and increase their risks of trouble on the road.
Digital Rearview Mirrors
A digital rearview mirror is a great idea. They allow motorists to see what’s behind their vehicles even if obstructions would otherwise block their views. But there may be an adjustment period to get used to staring at a screen rather than a reflection. Once you get used to it, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without a digital rearview mirror.
Driver Monitoring Systems
Driver monitoring systems can come in handy, but they can also be annoying. These systems are designed to keep track of driver attentiveness. But if audible reminders occur too often, you might wonder why the system is treating you like a toddler.
Built-In Entertainment or Games for Passengers
Entertainment and games for passengers will be much appreciated during those long road trips when everyone’s bored and wants something to do. But while passengers might love these tech features, they could distract you as the driver.
If you have the self-control to keep your eyes on the road and your focus on driving, built-in entertainment or games for passengers are great. Otherwise, save yourself the trouble and skip these features.
Blind-Spot Monitoring Alerts
Approximately one-third of motorists have damaged their cars or experienced near-miss situations because of blind spots. Meanwhile, another source notes that blind spot warning features have reduced lane change injury collisions by 23%. So, what’s the problem?
One law firm says some lane change monitoring systems don’t work as well when cars are traveling at slower speeds. So, an overreliance on this technology can wreak havoc.
Customizable Ambient Sounds
Ambient sounds might seem like a good idea, but they’re largely unnecessary. Even worse, choosing or changing them, particularly when the car is in motion, can distract your attention.
Digital Instrument Clusters
Many newer vehicles feature fully digital dashboards. However, because they include customizable gauges and information, drivers can easily get distracted when seeking what they want, which can be a recipe for disaster on the road.
Music and Media Controls
When driving around in your vehicle, you may want to listen to some tunes or podcasts. However, the music and media controls in many modern cars may be cumbersome. It’s not like the good old days when you could quickly change songs without taking your eyes off the road.
The non-intuitive music and media controls in many newer vehicles almost always force drivers to take their eyes off the road.
Text Messaging Systems
Yet another feature that is more of a distraction than a help is a text messaging system. Yes, it can be convenient to access voice-to-text features that allow you to send messages without taking out your smartphone. However, such technology will distract you if you use it while driving. Multitasking isn’t something most people do competently.
Avoid These Distractions
If seeking a new or used vehicle, avoid cars with tech features that are distractions. The only exception is if you have the discipline to use these features responsibly — and, let’s face it, most drivers don’t.
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