Studies Show Voice-Activated Smartphones Are Even Worse For Driving

Voice-activated smartphones and dashboard infotainment systems are showing to be much more of a distraction than initially though.  Even more so than just using the phone!

In an article on Fox News, they spoke about these voice-activated systems that let drivers do things like tune the radio, send a text message, or make a phone call while keeping their eyes on the road, but many of these systems are so error-prone or complex that they require more concentration from drivers rather than less.

162 university students and other volunteers tested out some of these systems in three different settings: a laboratory, a driving simulator and in cars while driving. The voice-activated systems were graded on a distraction scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being the worst

Siri received the worst rating with a 4.14. Two of the test drivers ended up rear-ending another car while using Siri. Chevrolet's MyLink received the worst rating out of the infotainment systems with a 3.7. The systems with the worst ratings were those that made errors even when the drivers' voice were clear and distinct.

What cars did well?  Toyota's Entune received a 1.7 (the distraction equivalent of listening to an audiobook)...and Hyundai's Blue Link Telematic System received a 2.2.