In-Vehicle Technology and Distracted Driving Car Accidents

Understanding the Risks, Legal Implications, and How to Seek Compensation

Many modern vehicles now have in-vehicle technology like touchscreens, infotainment systems, and voice-activated features. It has made driving a more convenient experience in some ways, but it also increases the risk of driver distraction.

Each year, inattention behind the wheel contributes to over a million crashes across North America, making it clear just how significant these additional distractions can be. When an accident occurs, questions often arise about who should bear legal responsibility for any resulting injuries or damage.

If you have any questions about what to do after being involved in an accident, contact Rosenfeld Injury Law to speak with a car accident lawyer in Chicago.

How Distracted Driving Increases Crash Risk

Distracted driving happens anytime a driver takes their attention away from the road. This can include texting, eating, changing the radio, or even talking to passengers. When drivers lose focus, even for a moment, the chance of an accident increases significantly. Here’s why distractions behind the wheel are so dangerous:

• Texting can take a driver’s eyes off the road for up to five seconds, enough time to travel the length of a football field at highway speeds.
• Phone calls, even hands-free, distract the brain from focusing fully on driving.
• Interactive screens in newer vehicles lead drivers to split their focus between the road and technology.

Distracted driving is a factor in a significant number of accidents. Cell phone use while driving increases the chance of a crash by 400%. Approximately 20% of all injuries from car accidents involve cases of distracted driving.

Anyone involved in a car accident that was caused by someone else’s negligence should reach out to a Chicago distracted driving accident lawyer.

The Three Types of Distracted Driving Behind the Wheel

Distracted driving takes many forms and presents serious risks to safety on the road. Understanding how attention can be diverted behind the wheel is essential for reducing car crashes.

Visual Distraction

Visually distracted driving occurs when drivers take their eyes off the road. This can happen from cellphone use – checking to see what time it is or checking incoming calls.

Manual Distraction

Manual distractions involve removing hands from the wheel. Common examples include eating, reaching for objects, or using controls for the air conditioning or infotainment system.

Cognitive Distraction

Cognitive distraction takes place when a driver’s mental focus drifts away from driving. Activities like engaging in conversation, thinking about personal matters, or taking hands-free phone calls can impair cognitive attention.

Research shows that looking at a text message can divert attention for up to five seconds – enough time to travel the length of a football field at highway speeds.

Distracted driving is preventable, and focusing on ways to minimize distraction is essential to improving road safety.

The Role of Electronic Devices in Distracted Driving Accidents

Electronic devices can greatly raise the chance of a distracted driver crash by dividing a driver’s attention between the screen and the road.

Texting

Reading or sending texts pulls a driver’s eyes, hands, and mind away from driving.

Cellphone Use

Picking up calls or even using hands-free modes can take your focus off your surroundings.

Video Streaming

Watching or recording videos while driving involves all your senses, creating a high risk of drifting out of your lane.

When these dangerous distractions lead to a collision, the distracted driver’s use of electronic devices could play a major role in any legal actions that follow.

In-Vehicle Technology: A Solution or a Growing Problem?

Vehicles often come equipped with advanced infotainment systems and voice-activated controls, marketed as tools for convenience and safety. This often includes automatic emergency braking and hands-free options for making calls or changing settings in the car.

While these technologies allow drivers to make calls, send texts, or change music without taking their hands off the wheel, they can still increase cognitive distraction.

The mental effort required to process and execute voice-activated commands pulls attention away from the road, creating a false sense of security. Misuse or overreliance can actually lead to dangerous situations.

Key Types of In-Vehicle Technology Contributing to Distraction

Many cars now come equipped with numerous technologies intended to enhance the driving experience. While these features provide convenience for most drivers, they can divert attention from the road. This often includes:

• Touchscreen Infotainment Systems: Navigation, entertainment, and phone integration require driver interaction. Studies show that using a touchscreen while driving significantly increases the risk of a crash – especially navigation systems.
• Voice-Activated Controls: Often assumed to be safer, voice-activated systems can increase cognitive workload. Complex or misunderstood commands may frustrate drivers, leading to distraction.
• Heads-Up Displays (HUDs): HUDs project information onto the windshield to limit eye movement and keep the driver’s vision on the road. However, processing multiple streams of information can still be distracting.
• Smartphone Integration (Apple CarPlay & Android Auto): While hands-free features aim to reduce distracted driving risks, they often encourage cellphone use and allow drivers to stay connected while they drive. Drivers may still respond to notifications or browse apps.
• Driver Assistance Technologies: Safety features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, blind spot detection, and lane departure warnings are designed to enhance safety. However, operators may become less engaged, assuming the car is handling essential functions.
• The False Sense of Security with In-Vehicle Technology: Many drivers trust that if a feature is installed in their car, it must be safe to use. Research has shown that reliance on built-in systems does not eliminate distraction and can lead to accidents in unexpected situations.

Laws on Distracted Driving, Cell Phone Use, and In-Vehicle Technology

According to Illinois law, it is illegal to use electronic communication devices while driving on a roadway to:

• Watch or stream videos
• Join video calls, such as Zoom, Teams, or WebEx
• Use social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter

The law applies to “electronic communication device” and defines it as any handheld device used for communication, such as phones, tablets, or portable computers. However, the law applies only to those devices and not GPS units and systems already built into the car, as they are not included in the definition.

Penalties for Violating Electronic Communication Device Use While Driving

Violating these laws can lead to fines and other penalties that escalate with repeated offenses, and consequences become more severe if the violation contributes to a serious crash.

• First offense: A fine of up to $75
• Second offense: A fine of up to $100
• Third offense: A fine of up to $125
• Fourth or subsequent offenses: A fine of up to $150
• Aggravated use (causing a crash resulting in great bodily harm, permanent disability, disfigurement, or death): A minimum fine of $1,000

By adhering to these laws, drivers can help ensure safer roadways and reduce the risk of preventable accidents.

Holding Distracted Drivers Accountable After a Car Accident

Holding distracted drivers accountable after an accident often involves demonstrating that their negligence directly caused the crash. Legal consequences for distracted driving can include fines, license suspension, or even criminal charges in severe cases.

An experienced attorney can gather evidence like mobile device records, witness statements, and traffic camera footage to establish liability. This process helps victims seek maximum compensation, ensuring they have the resources needed to recover.

How a Car Accident Lawyer Can Help Maximize Your Compensation

If you were injured by a distracted driver, a car accident lawyer can investigate your claim, gather evidence, and seek maximum compensation on your behalf. They can help you recover:

• Medical bills
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering
• Property damage

Working with an attorney can give you the support you need as you recover and move forward after a serious crash.

Book a Confidential Consultation Today!

Taking quick action after a crash caused by distracted driving can be crucial in preserving valuable evidence and building a strong claim. If you believe your accident was linked to someone else’s inattention, contact Rosenfeld Injury Law to learn about your rights and potential next steps. Call (888) 424-5757 or complete our online contact form.

Our downtown office, near the Richard J. Daley Center, Dirkson United States Courthouse, and the Chicago Workers’ Compensation Commission, offers convenient access from Aurora, Joliet, and Waukegan via I-90, I-94, and I-290.

Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers

225 W Wacker Dr #1660
Chicago, IL 60606
Phone: (847) 835-8895
Toll Free: (888) 424-5757

We also serve clients from Champaign, Elgin,Naperville, Springfield and throughout Illinois.

All content undergoes thorough legal review by experienced attorneys, including Jonathan Rosenfeld. With 25 years of experience in personal injury law and over 100 years of combined legal expertise within our team, we ensure that every article is legally accurate, compliant, and reflects current legal standards.