In-Vehicle Technologies: Experience & Research

This page is devoted to discussions regarding specific in-vehicle technologies: cell phones, navigation systems, night vision systems, wireless Internet, and information and entertainment systems, among others. The purpose is to provide an avenue for drivers to share their experiences with, and impressions of these technologies so that benefits of these systems can be realized without causing unsafe driver distraction. Although specific in-vehicle devices are emphasized here, comment and discussion relevant to other non-technological or conventional sources of distraction are also welcome. Be sure to take or view results of our informal polls.

Please tell us about your experience with these technologies…

Content Available In Each Topic Area

  Paper
  Comment
  Ask the Expert
  Poll

Cell Phones
	The Influence of the Use of Mobile Phones on Driver Situation Awareness 5/17/00 2:31:00 PM Individual Differences and In-Vehicle Distraction While Driving: A Test Track Study and Psychometric Evaluation 5/18/00 10:35:38 AM Is it safe to talk on a cell phone while driving? Which of the following is your biggest safety concern associated with cell phone use while driving? Under which conditions would you feel it safe to use a cell phone. Do you use a hands-free or hand-held cell phone while driving? If you use a “hands free” phone while driving, how often do you use it in your vehicle in its hands free mode? How often do you receive calls when you drive? Pedestrian vs. SUV? 7/5/00 9:05:43 AM non-standard vehicles 7/5/00 10:23:17 AM Pull over or get off of the Phone!! 7/5/00 11:57:36 AM Vacant Drivers 7/5/00 12:12:24 PM To My Kids 7/5/00 12:50:56 PM Distractions 7/5/00 1:27:38 PM Cell Phones vs. Alcohol 7/5/00 2:55:02 PM look out!! He/she is on the phone! 7/5/00 3:23:19 PM Vacant drivers threaten bicyclists as well as motorcyclists 7/5/00 3:58:12 PM Conversation Depth vs. Frequency vs. Complexity 7/6/00 7:21:55 AM Agree 7/6/00 8:43:26 AM I used to talk and drive 7/6/00 9:55:47 AM Poor performance due to distractions not limited to cell phones 7/6/00 11:16:00 AM Tending to a child in the vehicle is another distraction problem 7/6/00 1:48:11 PM VAcant Drivers 7/6/00 1:49:37 PM July 6,2000 Fatality in Grand Rapids, MI 7/7/00 7:41:55 AM Get off of the phone! 7/7/00 9:04:24 AM study 7/7/00 11:11:21 AM Study - cellphone use effects compared to alcohol consumption 7/7/00 11:19:40 AM DRIVING IS A FULL TIME JOB!!!! 7/7/00 2:01:56 PM We all do it! 7/8/00 10:30:32 AM Communications Industry 7/8/00 1:26:29 PM The ads in magazines alone are frightening 7/8/00 4:50:11 PM All communication devices are dangerous while driving 7/8/00 6:08:13 PM I think the study you mentioned is posted on the Index page 7/8/00 8:33:42 PM An "M" Chip? 7/9/00 3:38:49 PM Study - Common misinterpretation 7/9/00 3:53:39 PM Correction: An "M" Chip? 7/9/00 4:05:44 PM Cell Phones 7/9/00 4:18:38 PM The larger issue of distracted driving 7/9/00 4:47:09 PM Laws to address hazardous driving 7/9/00 5:10:55 PM Wireless communication saves lives in emergency situations 7/9/00 5:36:51 PM cell phones are a danger in a moving vehicle 7/9/00 8:16:04 PM Not so fast - emergency overload. 7/9/00 10:00:56 PM Driving attitudes are reckless at best. 7/9/00 10:25:08 PM How does crash risk change as a function of driver experience using car phones? Does risk drop or increase? Does this generalizes to other in-vehicle technologies? 7/10/00 12:54:04 PM Study based on simulation 7/11/00 12:05:56 AM simulation valid? 7/11/00 3:16:43 AM M chips exist for some navigation systems 7/11/00 8:45:24 PM A Researchers Tool Bag, How to Measure & Define the Distraction Problem 7/12/00 6:14:40 PM Ban Them While Driving! 7/13/00 2:20:27 PM Cell Phones vs: Loud Pipes 7/13/00 4:03:10 PM How many fatal accidents before cell phone use while driving is banned? 7/13/00 9:08:13 PM Single handed parking lot manuevers. 7/13/00 11:45:28 PM Common Sense 7/14/00 1:44:25 AM Many sources of distraction 7/14/00 8:29:54 AM Test situation... 7/14/00 9:18:28 AM Police talk on the while they drive around on duty! 7/14/00 9:30:24 AM Police talk on the phone while they drive around on duty! 7/14/00 9:31:07 AM Cell Phone 7/14/00 9:56:46 AM Distraction and the repurcussions of banning car cell phone use 7/14/00 10:03:26 AM GET OFF THE ROAD IF ON THE CELL- DEFINITELY 7/14/00 10:43:07 AM GET OFF THE ROAD IF ON THE CELL- DEFINITELY 7/14/00 10:46:58 AM Multi-tasking Driving 7/14/00 12:33:51 PM Get over yourselves - Take Responsibility! 7/14/00 12:47:35 PM agree 7/14/00 12:48:04 PM States' Rights 7/14/00 12:56:42 PM HOW TRUE THIS IS 7/14/00 1:43:14 PM What constitutes need? 7/14/00 1:53:01 PM You've got to be kidding 7/14/00 2:09:01 PM Let's focus on practical solutions. 7/14/00 2:44:04 PM response to the ads are frightening 7/14/00 3:03:55 PM Talking on the cell phone with both hands on the wheel 7/14/00 5:07:55 PM Terrified 7/14/00 5:43:06 PM How about training motorists to DRIVE first, then worry about cellphones. 7/14/00 5:49:49 PM not paying attention 7/14/00 7:13:46 PM Max features on HUD 7/14/00 8:39:38 PM It's easy to blame. 7/14/00 9:36:11 PM Personal Responsibility is the Issue 7/14/00 10:35:37 PM should be illegal to use while driving 7/15/00 12:39:22 AM Driver-friendly technology is solution 7/15/00 9:18:40 AM We have DUI laws to punish irresponsible drinkers, what are we doing about irresponsible cell-phone users? 7/15/00 12:11:30 PM Distraction Associated With Cell Phones 7/15/00 12:24:19 PM Banned usem not necessary 7/15/00 3:36:53 PM Banned use not necessary 7/15/00 3:37:05 PM Cell phone Drivers??????? 7/15/00 4:33:44 PM Sadly it will take.... 7/15/00 4:47:00 PM Think About What You Believe 7/15/00 8:09:52 PM You Miss the Whole Point if You Think Cell Phones Should be Banned 7/15/00 8:29:04 PM There should be research into all distractions (such as putting on make-up), not just technological devices. 7/15/00 10:12:56 PM Cell Phones- Feds Should Pass Legislation Requiring Hands-Free Technology for Those who Talk and Drive 7/16/00 11:21:00 AM Time to Act!!! 7/16/00 11:56:57 AM BOTH hands on the wheel 7/16/00 2:29:11 PM Commercial Trucks & Phones 7/16/00 6:30:22 PM Hands free systems also need voice recognition to dial phones 7/16/00 8:00:53 PM Isn't It Obvious? 7/16/00 8:38:51 PM From A Commercial Truck Driver... 7/16/00 2230 7/16/00 10:53:23 PM Eating fries are more dangerous! 7/17/00 12:09:00 AM Raging at Spouses 7/17/00 9:57:05 AM Raging at Spouses 7/17/00 9:57:44 AM IT'S ALL ABOUT ME!! 7/17/00 1:00:16 PM Close calls 7/17/00 1:10:43 PM Close calls 7/17/00 1:17:34 PM Distractions other than Cell Phones 7/18/00 5:30:35 AM cell phones versus bicyclist 7/18/00 6:24:57 AM Driving While Talking Shown to be asDangerous as Driving Drunk? Not! 7/18/00 7:49:27 AM Saving Lives 7/18/00 10:53:43 AM Agree that cell phones are not the only distractions that cause poor driving performance but they may be the most serious 7/18/00 11:30:50 AM Sensible limitations on cell-phone use while driving 7/18/00 11:33:35 AM New laws not needed to curb in-car device use while driving 7/18/00 3:15:36 PM modern conveniences 7/18/00 3:36:53 PM Keep both hands on the wheel 7/18/00 4:04:44 PM Re: Pull over or get off the phone!! 7/18/00 4:33:23 PM The rich once again obviously rule. 7/18/00 5:13:49 PM Cell Phones: Children are victims too!!!!! 7/18/00 5:15:55 PM Don't Run Over Me 7/18/00 5:17:28 PM Cellphone Use is Dangerous 7/18/00 5:18:25 PM My goodness. 7/18/00 5:34:12 PM cell phone user agrees cell phone use is dangerous 7/18/00 5:53:08 PM Completely agree--Cell phones and Driving Don't Mix! 7/18/00 5:59:31 PM Countless Close Calls In Honolulu 7/18/00 6:05:48 PM Hands-Free Technology 7/18/00 7:00:00 PM Finally, someone with sense! 7/18/00 7:05:04 PM The United States Government? 7/18/00 7:29:34 PM Hands Free options keep drivers alert 7/18/00 7:33:17 PM Get off of my case!! 7/18/00 7:35:49 PM Who ever dials a phone while driving? 7/18/00 7:50:07 PM In Total Agreement 7/18/00 8:07:59 PM Get Off My Case ----- Typical of Cell Phone Users 7/18/00 8:19:58 PM u are wrong 7/18/00 8:21:54 PM Most Drivers Shouldn't be Behind the Wheel Let Alone Using a Phone 7/18/00 8:24:33 PM Hang up and drive 7/18/00 8:39:21 PM lateral vision cell obstruction & tinted windows 7/18/00 9:19:10 PM ten four, oops I'm dating... 7/18/00 9:23:06 PM Cars are for Driving 7/18/00 9:36:49 PM I would be dead if... 7/18/00 9:38:22 PM How do you think people did your job 10 to 15 years ago??? 7/18/00 9:42:38 PM you're one of the few... 7/18/00 10:00:39 PM I agree... 7/18/00 10:10:41 PM AWWW 7/18/00 10:16:01 PM Yeah, IT IS BY THE PEOPLE, FOR THE PEOPLE 7/18/00 10:28:46 PM Should we also ban standard transmissions? And car radios? And drive-through windows? These all require one hand off the wheel. 7/18/00 10:29:56 PM True, but isn't this just hearings and speeches into the matter 7/18/00 10:36:54 PM You're right... PARTLY. Now Try this experiment!!! 7/18/00 10:48:08 PM Read the post im referring too... Another user admitting to be distracted while driving!!! 7/18/00 11:00:27 PM Yes new laws are needed 7/18/00 11:19:31 PM Another person partly right... 7/18/00 11:28:59 PM Missing the ISSUE here... God and your in Goverment!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 7/18/00 11:36:10 PM Driving While Talking Shown to be asDangerous as Driving Drunk? Not! AHHH!!! BUT wait and read on... 7/18/00 11:51:53 PM Don't worry, we're trying to ban cigarettes too!!! 7/18/00 11:56:42 PM Cell Phone Use by Drivers Can Save Lives Too! 7/19/00 4:30:51 AM Cell phones and driver education! 7/19/00 4:53:37 AM Cell Phones: Pull over or get off of the Phone!! 7/19/00 5:11:35 AM 50/50 7/19/00 7:38:21 AM Too many phones and a lot of other bad behaviour as well 7/19/00 8:53:18 AM Cell phone conversations versus passenger conversations 7/19/00 9:07:06 AM But they say we can... 7/19/00 9:08:07 AM Cell phones, bad drivers, and the rule of law. 7/19/00 9:15:13 AM Does safety improve with voice activated, hands-free technologies? 7/19/00 9:31:10 AM Cell Phone Use in Moving Vehicles Must Be Banned 7/19/00 9:34:24 AM Wearable heads-up wireless computer display 7/19/00 9:46:56 AM 2 Pennies from across the Net 7/19/00 9:54:55 AM Reminiscent of Nazi Germany 7/19/00 10:37:18 AM Think outside the metal box, too! 7/19/00 10:49:11 AM Does anyone else remember the CB radio craze of the 70's? 7/19/00 10:57:55 AM Basic Respect 7/19/00 11:01:17 AM Cell Phones 7/19/00 11:01:17 AM I agree!!! 7/19/00 11:03:09 AM yea but 7/19/00 11:03:45 AM Cell phones 7/19/00 11:08:36 AM Cell-Phones designed for safety 7/19/00 11:15:57 AM I see it all the time 7/19/00 11:22:39 AM Bad Driving period 7/19/00 11:22:41 AM As dangerous as DUI! 7/19/00 11:24:09 AM Nazi? 7/19/00 11:28:22 AM Cell phones with vehicle connection 7/19/00 11:58:31 AM Cell Phones are not the demon 7/19/00 11:58:40 AM Study:Cell Phones and Driving vs. Drinking and Driving 7/19/00 11:59:42 AM Enforcement of all traffic laws would be a good first step 7/19/00 12:04:43 PM cellphone use while driving 7/19/00 12:47:28 PM Right on, Amy! 7/19/00 12:49:16 PM What are they thinking?? 7/19/00 1:06:07 PM And Ban Radios too!!! 7/19/00 1:37:55 PM Hang It Up 7/19/00 1:42:51 PM Re: Right on, Amy! 7/19/00 1:44:18 PM Check out the Poll Responses 7/19/00 2:38:39 PM A motorcyclist's perspective. 7/19/00 2:42:34 PM A motorcyclist's perspective. 7/19/00 2:42:34 PM Taking care of the cellphone problem on your own. 7/19/00 2:50:36 PM Nothing is that important 7/19/00 2:54:17 PM Cell Phones & Driving do not mix 7/19/00 4:13:40 PM Please Get a Hands Free Phone or Hands Free Phone Hook Up 7/19/00 6:16:14 PM Vacant Drivers' Glassy Eyed Stares 7/19/00 8:34:53 PM RE: Vacant drivers threaten bicyclists as well as motorcyclists 7/20/00 7:35:05 AM Careless drivers risk the lives of cyclists and pedestrians 7/20/00 8:21:05 AM In response to "check out the polls" 7/20/00 12:41:19 PM In response to "check out the polls" correction 7/20/00 12:43:35 PM Education not legislation 7/20/00 12:52:23 PM Distractions 7/20/00 1:02:56 PM or lack of perspective 7/20/00 1:18:58 PM Cell Phone Drunks 7/20/00 2:19:48 PM The One and Only Responsibility 7/20/00 2:37:58 PM Freedom 7/20/00 3:45:13 PM Cell phone distraction 7/20/00 4:31:52 PM Pull over or get off the phone 7/20/00 4:40:49 PM Pull over or get off the phone 7/20/00 4:59:26 PM Judgement vice Device Regulation vice Design 7/20/00 5:04:12 PM distraction - vacant drivers 7/20/00 5:10:10 PM RE: Does anyone else remember the CB radio craze of the 70's 7/20/00 6:05:51 PM Risk may be reduced but not eliminated 7/20/00 6:23:10 PM Would not the universal application of speech recognition technology allow the safe dialing of numbers via cell phone while driving? 7/21/00 7:24:35 AM MOTORCYCLES!!! 7/21/00 9:59:50 AM Freedom? 7/21/00 11:56:54 AM That's because it's not a law yet. 7/21/00 12:09:29 PM Re: Freedom? 7/21/00 12:17:36 PM Charles Indelicato Private Citizen Refering to: Freedom? Is that the sort of freedom where you're free to take my life? And for what higher purpose? So you can shoot the shit with with your sweety pie about what's selling at the Gap? Jesus, Man. Thinking like yours makes everyone's (including your own) freedom impossible. No one is saying anyone is free to take another's life. Anyone who professes that to be the point of view of people who are against cell-phone legislation is spouting so much pablum. Fact: there are laws on the books against reckless driving. Fact: reckless driving laws have been around for decades. Fact: reckless drivers exist today, despite those same laws. What is the point of passing meaningless legislation targeting one form of recklessness? Why don't we enforce the current reckless driving laws already on the books? I say if a person drives recklessly - be it steering with knees, applying makeup, eating, drinking, reading (be it a book, a map, or the NYTimes), smoking, fiddling with the radio, drying nail polish, slapping their kids, kissing their mate (or pet) OR talking on their cell phone - they should be punnished to the full extent the existing laws permit. If you want to talk about stiffening the penalties for reckless driving (I've heard in some localities the penalties are $15), let's debate that. But to write laws SPECIFCIALLY targeting cell phones is nonsense! Every thing I listed above can cause a driver to be reckless. And don't get me started about a FEDERAL law. Let the states govern themselves. There's already too many rights and freedoms (of LIFE and LIBERTY) that we have ceeded without a fight to our government. Draconian Inforcement 7/21/00 1:33:40 PM Cell phones are dangerous and should be banned while driving! 7/21/00 2:35:02 PM RE:Cell phones are dangerous and should be banned while driving! 7/21/00 6:17:42 PM RE:Cell phones are dangerous and should be banned while driving! 7/21/00 6:18:20 PM High School Girl Killed By Drunken Stoned Driver Distracted By Cell Phone 7/21/00 7:28:42 PM Cell Phone Distrations 7/21/00 8:33:39 PM DISTRACTION: Failure To Concentrate And/Or Failure To Be Responsible. 7/21/00 9:48:17 PM Police talk on the phone while they drive 7/21/00 10:35:33 PM get a life. 7/22/00 11:51:42 AM re: Cell Phone Distractions! 7/22/00 12:48:36 PM Rather save a life! 7/22/00 1:02:44 PM Amen to Ted! 7/22/00 2:18:52 PM Distracted drivers do kill pedestrians 7/22/00 8:33:51 PM re: get a life 7/22/00 8:34:35 PM re: freedom 7/22/00 8:51:57 PM re:Cell Phones - What's more important? 7/22/00 9:05:30 PM Remember Why the Car was Invented? 7/22/00 9:26:41 PM Cell Phones and Computers 7/22/00 10:30:03 PM Good Points but... 7/23/00 11:11:17 AM You're right, to a degree... 7/23/00 11:57:03 AM Your'e missing the point 7/23/00 1:38:49 PM Your'e missing the point 7/23/00 1:41:21 PM Don't need a new law; the problem is with the drivers! 7/23/00 6:38:08 PM Short Sighted 7/24/00 6:29:40 AM Where are all the crashes? (see detailed question below) 7/24/00 7:19:12 AM What distraction to ban ! 7/24/00 9:57:33 AM Governing the masses 7/24/00 12:35:18 PM All drivers (including myself) are distracted when talking on a cell phone 7/24/00 2:13:42 PM All drivers (including myself) are distracted when talking on a cell phone 7/24/00 2:13:47 PM I was a victim of cell phone use in car 7/24/00 2:15:32 PM Should be made illegal!!! 7/24/00 5:39:58 PM RE: What distraction to ban 7/25/00 10:17:13 AM RE: Don't need a law; the problem is with the drivers 7/25/00 12:08:39 PM Cell Phones 7/25/00 2:15:46 PM please hang up 7/25/00 3:34:37 PM History in the Making 7/25/00 7:25:43 PM Opposite of Major Opinion 7/25/00 9:20:39 PM Over regulation 7/25/00 9:21:18 PM RE: Over regulation 7/26/00 8:51:43 AM RE: Opposite of Major Oppinion 7/26/00 9:25:01 AM RE: History in the making 7/26/00 9:56:07 AM Measured Freedom. 7/26/00 4:57:14 PM IDIOT DRIVERS WITH AND WITHOUT CELL PHONES 7/26/00 5:15:16 PM Distractions 7/26/00 6:54:43 PM He's obviously a jerk 7/26/00 7:58:40 PM Cell Phones 7/26/00 8:10:55 PM People should be capable of doing multiple tasks 7/26/00 8:18:21 PM Distraction in the first two minutes of the call 7/26/00 9:14:59 PM RE: People should be capable of doing multiple tasks 7/27/00 2:30:30 PM Everything you should know about talking and driving 7/27/00 3:25:16 PM Cell phones are a small portion of what you should be concerned about. 7/27/00 4:07:26 PM RE: Cell phones are a small portion of what you should be concerned about 7/28/00 9:03:15 AM Using a HUD Head-up Display with phone, internet etc. 7/28/00 12:40:53 PM untitled; 7/30/00 12:07:26 AM untitled;again 7/30/00 1:31:21 AM Threat by cell usage in the US and Europe 7/30/00 11:14:13 AM "We don't all do it" 7/30/00 11:54:49 AM Your comments are a distraction. 7/30/00 11:25:37 PM Wireless companies know legislation is coming 7/31/00 1:29:02 AM What impact has cell phone use in Japan had on accident rates, and what steps, if any, has the government taken to improve safety? 7/31/00 6:33:42 AM Yes, let's do focus on (key word) PRACTICAL solutions 7/31/00 8:42:43 AM Cell Phones - Hands Free Attachments/Accessories 7/31/00 9:41:47 AM RE: "We don't all do it" 7/31/00 10:44:57 AM speed/distraction/miles traveled 7/31/00 2:14:34 PM If you can't drive safely... DON'T! 7/31/00 3:44:14 PM A Costly Price for Experience 8/1/00 7:07:25 AM Ban Cigarette Smoking & Eating TOO 8/1/00 9:14:16 AM A solution to prevent 100% of ALL car accidents...... 8/2/00 4:29:57 PM Voice control instead of visual/manual, but not quite far enough . . . 8/3/00 8:45:47 AM Another Safety Nazi!!! 8/3/00 12:33:58 PM Commercial Trucks & Phones 7/16/00 6:30:22 PM 8/3/00 3:36:38 PM RE: Another Safety Nazi!!! 8/4/00 10:40:56 AM Too many close calls 8/5/00 8:31:56 AM There is a simple answer 8/5/00 8:36:35 AM Hands-free as minimum restriction for driver 8/5/00 8:54:49 AM I agree - examples: 8/6/00 9:12:29 AM Do we have laws already on the books? 8/6/00 9:28:22 AM private or police issue 8/6/00 7:35:14 PM Women are NOT the Problem 8/7/00 6:51:25 PM Cell Phone Idiots ! ! 8/7/00 9:04:35 PM RE: There is a simple answer 8/7/00 9:09:43 PM One "Tool" at a time 8/7/00 10:04:32 PM Yes, Eating or talking is equally dangerous 8/7/00 10:24:49 PM One or Two Minutes ? 8/7/00 10:41:15 PM Idaho`s Government ? 8/7/00 11:56:50 PM Reply to : Who ever dials while driving? 8/8/00 12:12:07 AM age of test subjects 8/8/00 12:20:32 AM Cell Phones 8/8/00 7:28:49 AM Education for use of cell phones by 16 yr. olds. 8/8/00 10:10:37 PM Speak now or forever hold your peace and hope these Idiots do end your life 8/8/00 10:41:14 PM Speak now or forever hold your peace and hope these Idiots do NOT end your life 8/8/00 10:42:45 PM RE: Finally, someone with sense! 8/8/00 11:34:59 PM Situation Awareness and Driving 8/9/00 11:48:42 AM Victim of a cell phone? 8/9/00 12:05:32 PM I see examples EVERY day during my commute. 8/9/00 3:29:14 PM Laws are not the answer 8/9/00 10:18:41 PM I agree, but 8/9/00 10:33:50 PM First to market wins 8/9/00 10:48:07 PM The Buddy System: Being courteous and letting someone else take the lead when talking and driving 8/10/00 10:22:57 AM Other lives are at risk! 8/10/00 10:39:14 AM Yes!! -- Re -- There is a simple answer 8/10/00 10:41:42 AM Tending to children, especially to babies in distress; an accident waitong to happen 8/10/00 11:19:42 AM Cell Phone Drivers do not re-act 8/10/00 12:30:12 PM Save a Life 8/10/00 1:17:59 PM RESPONSIBLE CELL PHONE USE IN VEHICLES 8/10/00 1:21:04 PM RE: Victim of a cell phone? 8/10/00 11:58:51 PM RE: RESPONSIBLE CELL PHONE USE IN VEHIICLES 8/11/00 1:41:35 PM RE: Yes!!--Re--There is a simple answer 8/11/00 4:18:52 PM RE: The Buddy System:Being courteous and letting someone else take the lead when talking and driving 8/11/00 5:26:07 PM
Navigation Systems
	43 1 2 3
Night Vision Systems
	22
Wireless Internet (E-mail)
	29 2
Information & Entertainment Systems
	23
Other
	92