Are Large Dashboard Touch Screens Contributing to St. Louis Car Accidents?

While these large dashboard touch screens offer undeniable convenience, there’s a growing concern that they increase the risk of car accidents.

Large dashboard touchscreens are everywhere nowadays. Almost every new car model rolling off the assembly lines these days seems to have some kind of large touchscreen dominating the dashboard.

While the convenience offered by these large dashboard touch screens is undeniable, there’s a growing concern that they increase the risk of car accidents.

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The Dangers of Using Dashboard Touch Screens While Driving

Just like cell phone use, using dashboard touch screens while driving involves all three types of distraction simultaneously: Manual distraction, visual distraction, and cognitive distraction.

  • Manual distraction – This involves removing your hands from the wheel to operate the touchscreen display.
  • Visual distraction – This occurs when you take your eyes off the road to focus on what you are performing on your dashboard touchscreen.
  • Cognitive distraction – This involves taking your mind off the task at hand, driving, to focus or respond to what is appearing on the touchscreen. 

This combination of distractions can cause delays in reaction time, make it difficult for drivers to process information quickly enough for safe driving, and increase your risk of missing important signs.

How to Avoid Using the Dashboard Touch Screen While Driving

1) Set up voice commands – Most modern cars come with voice command technology, allowing drivers to control their vehicles without having to take their eyes off the road. This means that you don’t have to rely on your car’s touchscreen. Instead, you can use voice commands to adjust settings like climate control, navigation, and even music.

2) Set your navigation before beginning your journey – If you know where you’re going before getting into your car, why not set up your navigation beforehand? This way, you won’t have to fiddle with the touch screen when you’re driving – instead, all of the information will already be set up for you. The same goes for setting up any music or radio stations that you might want to listen to. Get things set up beforehand so there’s no need to touch anything during your drive.

3) Pullover – If, for some reason, you find yourself needing access to features in your dash display during a drive—like finding new directions—it’s best to pull over in a safe place first before trying to make those adjustments. Taking just a few minutes off of the road could save you from potential danger down the line. 

4. Turn off non-essential notificationsYour dashboard touchscreen will probably be bombarded with notifications from various apps and services throughout your journey. If these notifications are not essential, turn them off so they don’t distract you from what’s important—driving safely.

Speak With a St. Louis Car Accident Lawyer

Remember, safety should always be your top priority when driving, and avoiding distractions like dashboard touchscreens can go a long way in protecting yourself and others on the road.

If you have been involved in a car accident caused by someone distracted by their dashboard touchscreen, you may be entitled to compensation. The Hoffmann Law Firm in St. Louis has experienced St. Louis car accident attorneys who can help you navigate the legal system and fight for the compensation you deserve. Don’t wait to take action – call the Hoffmann Law Firm today to schedule a consultation and get started on the path to recovery.

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Updated: May 2, 2023