INFOTAINMENT and centre console car function systems have become major highlights for many car buyers.
But now analysis of data has shown how dangerous these hi-tech gadgets can be as a distraction when driving. So claims specialist The Compensation Experts has teamed up with leading driving instructor John Parry to offer top tips on staying safe while driving.
The Parry’s Fleet Services founder says a starting point is to know where you are going by programming the sat nav before you set off on a journey.
If you’re struggling to use the infotainment set-up, pull off the road safely and stop first – or else ask passengers to help with tasks. And for those riding shotgun, speak out if the driver of your vehicle is distracted and help them when needed.
Also, avoid calling or texting others when you know they are driving, while those at the wheel should activate “do not disturb” settings on their devices. And, finally, Parry says everyone should avoid distractions while in traffic, and never call, text or play games while walking or cycling.
The advice comes after The Compensation Experts analysed an experiment by What Car?, ranking 20 vehicles on how distracting their infotainment systems were, based on six common driving tasks.
The test involved turning up the temperature by two degrees, increasing fan speed, zooming out on the sat nav map, cancelling route guidance, switching stations to BBC Radio 4 and using voice control to find the nearest service station.
And the MG ZS EV with an eight-inch touchscreen came bottom, followed by the Fiat 500X with seven-inch screen and Uconnect Live.
Next was the Skoda Citigo-e iV with colour screen and phone holder, then the Peugeot 508 SW with 10in Connected 3D Navigation and voice recognition. Rounding out the worst five was the Lexus RX with a 12.3in multimedia display.
