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As consumers become more technologically savvy by way of social networking and smartphones, the auto industry is taking cue by installing newer models of vehicles with systems that will allow people to stay connected, ConsumerReports.org reports.
But with all of the new options that will give drivers the ability to send a Tweet, like something on Facebook and check in with their favorite websites, will vehicle safety decrease?
In an report conducted by the website, "Connected Cars: A New Risk," found that some of the new options do pose a threat to driver distractions.
"Within five years, 90 percent of new cars will ship with connected car features," Dominique Bonte, group director of telematics and navigation at ABI Research, a technology consulting firm, said in the report.
However, just because they have the ability, doesn't mean it's necessarily a good option – at least not without restrictions, like not being able to operate the systems while driving.
"All manufacturers are struggling with the question of balance between safety and technology," Bryan Reimer, Ph.D., associate director of the New England University Transportation Center, told the news outlet. "Just because you can provide the content doesn't mean you should."
Transport Secretary Ray LaHood has made it a mission to reduce the 5,000 automotive fatalities caused by driver distraction. The initial focus was on reducing cellphone and texting use while drive, though the campaign has now moved on to reducing the use of new systems while driving as well.
LaHood also believes that automakers need to take a step back and think about the powers they're giving to drivers and if it's the right choices for promoting safety.
"[Automakers] need to really think about all of these things that they're putting in automobiles now and what impact they have on the driver's ability to drive safely," LaHood told the news source.
Aside from allowing drivers to search the web while driving, even old simple controls in cars – turning on the radio, the air conditioning or heat – has also become more challenging for drivers to get to without taking their eyes off the road for more than a few seconds, according to the news outlet.
"Technology is moving faster than common sense may dictate," David Strayer, a professor of psychology at the University of Utah's Applied Cognition Lab who has studied distracted driving, told the news source. He added that drivers who take their eyes off the road for more than two seconds pose a hazard to others around them.
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