Le Lézard
Classified in: Transportation, Business
Subjects: SVY, PSF

New Car Technology is Making Drivers More Distracted, Finds Esurance


SAN FRANCISCO, Feb. 14, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- A national survey of more than 1,000 U.S. drivers revealed a surprising disparity between our attitudes and behaviors when it comes to distracted driving. Esurance commissioned the survey to better understand distracted driving behaviors and whether or not high-tech car features, such as lane departure warning and automatic braking, are making drivers less distracted.

Browsing apps tops the list of driving distractions according to a recent Esurance survey. Nearly half of drivers distracted by viewing GPS navigation.

Distracted drivers willing to take the risk
Two things became increasingly clear in the survey results: 1) Most drivers recognize that using technology like phones and GPS is distracting behind the wheel, and, 2) They're willing to do it anyway. Ninety-one percent of surveyed drivers believe that texting while driving is distracting, while more than half (53 percent) of them admit to doing it anyway.

"Despite the fact that fatalities related to distracted driving are on the rise, this survey tells us that drivers are willing to take the risk and continue to give into the lure of using technology while driving," said Stephanie Braun, director, connected car at Esurance. "We're seeing more automakers try to address the issue of distracted driving through semi-autonomous features, but we're also mindful of the fact that some of these features could distract drivers even more and often give drivers a false sense of security."

Technology in cars making drivers feel safer, but more distracted
Forward-thinking automakers are working to make driving safer in the form of semi-autonomous technology, which is in-car tech features intended to do some of the driving. For example, that includes vehicles that can respond to upcoming hazards before the driver can.

Of those surveyed, nearly half (46 percent) of drivers with in-car tech features say it helps their driving, while 10 percent believe the opposite. Furthermore, some drivers are actually disabling these safety features. One out of four drivers who sought out tech in their new vehicles have since deactivated at least one feature. And overall, drivers with in-car tech tend to be slightly more distracted than those without it?29 percent admit that the warning sounds themselves (when you drift into another lane, for example) can be distracting.

Other interesting findings:

To view additional survey results and infographics, please visit www.esurance.com/insights/technology-and-distracted-driving.

Survey methodology: Esurance conducted an online survey in December 2017 through January 2018 of 1,057 vehicle owners in the U.S. Drivers with car tech refers to owners of vehicles with warning systems (blind spot monitor, lane departure warning, collision warning, etc.) or driver override features (lane keep, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control). Additionally, 15 interviews were conducted in December 2017 with owners of high-tech vehicles.

About Esurance®
Esurance, insurance for the modern world®, provides auto, homeowners, motorcycle, and renters insurance direct to consumers online and over the phone. With an easy-to-use mobile app, helpful online tools like photo claims and Coverage Counselor®, and knowledgeable experts, Esurance is the smart choice for today's web-savvy consumer. And as a member of the Allstate family with an A+ rating from A.M. Best*, Esurance offers auto and home insurance with just a click, call, or tap away.

Press releases and more information about Esurance are available at www.esurance.com.

Media Contact:
Dolleen Cross
[email protected]
415-875-4722

*Esurance Insurance Company and Esurance Property and Casualty Insurance Company have A+ u positive ratings. Esurance Insurance Company of New Jersey has an A rating. Ratings effective as of October 2017. Click here for a guide to A.M. Best's Credit Ratingstm.

 

Even drivers who self-identify as rarely distracted drivers engage in risky driving behavior, according to an Esurance survey on distracted driving.

Drivers with new car technology are more distracted, according to an Esurance survey on distracted driving.

esurance an Allstate company Logo. (PRNewsFoto/Esurance)

SOURCE Esurance


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