Skip to Content
Streetsblog New York City home
Streetsblog New York City home
Log In
Distracted Driving

AAA: Distracted Driving Now Standard in New Cars, Thanks to In-Dash Devices

Distracted driving isn't just about texting -- it's the mental effort of multi-tasking that makes people less alert and more dangerous behind the wheel. As hands-free devices like in-dash, voice-activated computer systems proliferate in new-model cars, they create additional risks. Using these devices can cause lingering distractions for up to 27 seconds after the task is completed, according to new research from AAA [PDF].

Using a voice-activated computer while driving is mentally taxing.

The researchers measured how well people could focus on driving while using "in-vehicle information systems" that allow them to perform tasks like making calls or browsing music with voice commands, compared to their focus while doing nothing but driving.

Researchers observed 257 drivers and found that certain types of hands-free activities -- like composing texts or emails -- were highly distracting and resulted in "long-lasting residual costs after... interactions had terminated." The effects did not diminish as people got more practice with the systems, and distraction was greater among older drivers than younger drivers.

The study used a speech-to-text system that was "perfectly reliable." Each participant's speech was entered into the computer system by a research assistant. So translation problems with Siri were not a factor in drivers' distractedness.

The study comes as hands-free computer systems that enable electronic communication are becoming standard equipment. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is currently developing "voluntary guidelines" for automakers to help minimize the safety problems, AAA reports, but has not yet proposed more binding restrictions on this type of technology.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog New York City

Friday Video: Meet the Subway’s Straphanger-Free Trains

We've all seen them. Now, thanks to YouTube's "Half as Interesting," we can tell you the purpose of each one.

October 3, 2025

The MTA Is Headed To The Lab To Design The Ridgewood Busway

A filthy private road underneath the elevated M tracks could become a gleaming bus-first corridor.

October 3, 2025

Friday’s Headlines: Good News Edition

The Department of Transportation reports that traffic deaths are way down through the first three quarters of 2025. Plus other news.

October 3, 2025

‘Bean-Counting Street Safety’: Advocates Blast Gale Brewer’s Daylighting Flip-Flop

The Upper West Side pol's inconsistent safety record is getting a second look from activists who once supported her.

October 2, 2025

There’s Good Science Behind the Human Craving for Livable Streets

It's time to understand the science of pedestrian-friendly cities. Or, why streets should be designed like gardens.

October 2, 2025

Thursday’s Headlines: Mourning Becomes Enforcement Edition

Why were cops ticketing cyclists at the very intersection where a bike rider was killed by a driver on Saturday? Plus other news.

October 2, 2025
See all posts