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Very informative article thanks for sharing these useful information. ...
Jongleur
The data shows phone use, hands free or not, makes drivers less safe than when ...
Harris Poll—Have automakers have gone too far?
Carolyn Mathas
8/2/2012 12:43 PM EDT
According to a just-released Harris Poll, 76% of car owners polled believe that in-car connectivity technologies are too distracting and dangerous. More than half (55%) think that automakers have taken technology for road use too far.
The poll involved 2,634 adults (18 and older). 1,991 own or lease a car, truck, minivan, or SUV. The poll took place during a one-week period—May 7 through Mary 15 by Harris Interactive.
A strong majority of car owners (62%) worried about how technology may interfere with their privacy, including where they go and their driving habits. Insurance rate increase potential based on in-car technology concerned 41%, and predictably was more of a concern with younger drivers.
While 61% of American car owners polled think of their cars as a haven and choose not to be connected while driving, more than half (58%) think that in-car connectivity makes driving more enjoyable and makes them feel safer (57%).
The conclusions of the poll indicates that, while safety and entertainment based on in-car connectivity are favored, privacy is a major concern.
According to Mike Chadsey, vice president and automotive solutions consultant, Harris Interactive, “…the fear of technology distraction seems to outweigh the other perceived benefits of having in-car connectivity options. Car makers should take note; depending on the generation of their target market, in-car connectivity can have influence on the buying decision, but too much of a good thing may just be too much…”
Here are some of the questions and results:
TABLE 1--CONNECTIVITY OPTIONS FOR CARS
"Today, many vehicles manufacturers offer many connectivity options for their vehicles. How much do you agree or disagree with the following statements about having these technologies in your vehicles?"
TABLE 2--CONNECTIVITY OPTIONS FOR CARS – by generation and gender
"Today, many vehicles manufacturers offer many connectivity options for their vehicles. How much do you agree or disagree with the following statements about having these technologies in your vehicles?" (Percentage saying "Strongly/Somewhat Agree")
TABLE 3--AVAILABILITY OF IN VEHICLE TECHNOLOGY ON NEXT CAR PURCHASE
"How much of an influence would the availability of in-vehicle technology features have on the car brands you will consider for your next purchase?"
There actually does seem to be a disconnect. From a technology point of view, we want to have access to more entertainment/connectivity options in our cars while we do know that the more we’re distracted, the greater the number of accidents.
Let’s take this poll a bit further. What do you think? Do you think that connectivity promotes safety, or threatens it? Are you more inclined to purchase your next car based on advanced connectivity features? Any concerns as to the ramifications on your insurance premium? Take a minute and post!
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Bert22306
8/2/2012 3:36 PM EDT
You gotta wonder about the accuracy or proper question formulation of these polls. On the one hand, the majority like these "technologies," whatever they are (58 and 57 percent like). By the same token, the majority also thinks that these "technologies" are dangerous distractions (76 percent). So, either those polled merely understand the tradeoffs, or they are interpreting the questions in different ways.
What are we talking about? Systems that warn about too close proximity to another vehicle? Systems that warn of the vehicle straying off its traffic lane? Systems that assist in parking maneuvers? Systems that warn of road conditions ahead? I can't fathom how anyone would object to any of these.
Are we talking about emergency systems that come alive when air bags have deployed? And provide vehicle location and automatic alert to EMS? Well, perhaps the more paranoid will worry that their every movement is being tracked by "the government."
Are we talking about availability of hands-free telephone? That can be distracting, but sometimes its really convenient. I find myself using that for extremely short phone calls, but I use it often enough to be useful. "Do you want me to stop at the store on my way home?" Only takes a second.
Or are we talking about car radios and iPod plug-in playback?
Vague polls just beg for each respondent to be assuming something different from the next respondent.
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Steve5678
8/8/2012 9:00 AM EDT
What are we talking about? Systems that warn about too close proximity to another vehicle? Systems that warn of the vehicle straying off its traffic lane? Systems that assist in parking maneuvers? Systems that warn of road conditions ahead?
Are we talking about emergency systems that come alive when air bags have deployed? And provide vehicle location and automatic alert to EMS?
Nope, I don't want any of those "features" in my vehicles. Just more stuff to drive up the acquisition cost and to break.
Are we talking about availability of hands-free telephone? That can be distracting, but sometimes its really convenient. I find myself using that for extremely short phone calls, but I use it often enough to be useful. "Do you want me to stop at the store on my way home?" Only takes a second.
Distracting and dangerous. Your mind is no longer on your primary job - driving your vehicle.
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Frank Eory
8/2/2012 4:15 PM EDT
"Insurance rate increase potential based on in-car technology concerned 41%"
I think this is the essence of the privacy concerns.
Consumers for the most part are not overly concerned about their privacy or about being tracked when using their cell phones in any other context. But if you raise the question of being tracked while driving, now consumers worry that their driving habits will be recorded and used to help decide auto insurance premiums.
Bert is right, the way in which the questions are asked makes a huge difference in the poll results.
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DIDEFIXIT
8/8/2012 9:58 AM EDT
My concern with new IT technologies has many aspects. First hand I love the convienience and connectivity. The ergonomics of the implementation must be subtle and elegant to limit distraction. An old radio with a volume control and a few pushbuttons is a far cry from 'treeing' through a myriad of menu choices. The Apple approach to organic function is needed here.
Second what buisness does big brother have in my car? Where do we draw the line on personal space?
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George Hahn
8/8/2012 8:17 PM EDT
This article left me wanting for an infographic!
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Jongleur
8/9/2012 9:01 AM EDT
The data shows phone use, hands free or not, makes drivers less safe than when they're drunk. Texting is worse. Depending on government regulation and tort lawyers, we can have hands free driving in the next 10 years, which will make driver distractions irrelevant.
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Mike John
10/22/2012 5:25 AM EDT
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