MONTGOMERY COUNTY, M.d. (WDVM) — New technology that’s designed to keep drivers safe on the road, might be having the opposite effect, according to a new study from AAA.
Features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assistance and automatic braking are meant to keep the driver and passengers safe on the road.
The study findings from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety said, “drivers who owned their vehicles and therefore had more familiarity with advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) technology — were more likely to drive distracted when these systems were active than when they were not. For example, some observed distracted driving behaviors included texting or adjusting the radio.”
As for those who weren’t familiar with the features? They were more likely to be attentive and engaged while driving. Area drivers said that they often see distracted drivers on our major roadways.
Indika Attanayake, a Maryland resident, said that he sees it, ‘especially during rush hours, on I-270 and MD-355.’
Dr. David Yang, an executive director for AAA, said that the research suggests long-term use of this technology will cause drivers to become complacent behind the wheel.
Attanayake said that drivers should, “just drive safely, think about driving, rather than something else, that’s all.”
