Drivers Who Are Looking in the Right Direction Can Still Be Distracted

Drivers are constantly being bombarded with technology and distractions while they are behind the wheel, which can lead to crashes. In fact, one of the main causes of car accidents nowadays is driver distraction. Drivers have many things distracting them from their main goal of driving, which is to drive from Point A to Point B safely. Distractions can include things like talking on cell phones — even hands-free devices — texting while driving, browsing the internet, talking with passengers or kids in the back seat, selecting music, fiddling with the navigation system, eating, grooming and much more.

If the above list of distractions wasn’t enough, there are other things that cause drivers to be distracted at the wheel. For example, auto manufacturers are installing technologies on new cars that can distract drivers’ attention off of driving. Now, there is one more thing that could be distracting for the already data-overloaded driver — the head-up display (HUD).

What Is the Head-Up Display?

The head up display will illuminate graphics several feet away from the driver — appearing like the information is floating in space. For example, drivers can see their speed limits, dashboard data, and other information projected onto the windshield while they are driving.

How Can the Head-Up Display Affect Driver Safety?

While it may sound great that drivers won’t have to look down at the dash as they will be able to look straight ahead at the road through transparent graphics, head-up displays might also be distracting. Although this technology does do things like warn drivers of approaching pedestrians and helps mitigate crashes, it can also be a huge distraction and lead to distracted driving accidents. This is because drivers will also be able to read and respond to emails and texts, put up iPod playlists, and do anything they can do on their phones; however, they will be able to see the information on the windshield.

Manufacturers believe HUDs will help minimize driver distraction because drivers won’t have to look down at the dash or their phones for this information. Instead, their eyes can stay looking ahead in the right direction; however, there are many safety experts who feel that drivers will easily be exposed to a lot of information at the wheel – leading to more distractions. Also, there are no federal standards that govern head-up displays, so there is a risk of information overload to the driver.

The head-up display technology is relatively new, which is why it is mainly in higher priced vehicles at this time, such as Jaguar, Mercedes Benz, BMW, Audi and Lexus. However, many car manufacturers are planning on implementing this technology into their vehicles in the near future. What’s concerning is that the more people who use it, the likelihood there will be more distracted driving crashes.

If you were injured by a distracted driver, you have legal rights to a financial recovery. To learn about your rights, contact the Law Offices of David Benenfeld at 866-9 HELP NOW or 866-943-5766 to speak with a trusted South Florida personal injury lawyer today.