You pull out of your driveway using a handy back up camera. As soon as you pull out, your gaze shifts to the heads-up display on your windshield, where you can see the time, temperature, wind speed, and warnings about delays ahead. You talk to the voice-activated software in your cellphone (conveniently connected to your car via Bluetooth) and ask it to navigate you to the nearest gas station.
Drivers need to be aware of a lot of things at once—other cars on the road, potentially dangerous situations like children or animals nearby, and conditions like rain or snow. All of that's just the visual stuff, too. On top of that, drivers need to respond to tactile feedback from the steering wheel, and auditory feedback from their car and the horns of other drivers. Innovators in the automotive industry promise to make things safer by using internet connectivity, cameras, and other tech to condense this information and present it in a simple format. Does this tech do what they claim it does, or is it just another distraction for already-taxed drivers?
About a decade ago, research came out that showed that items like blind spot monitoring and collision warning could drastically reduce crashes. It should be noted that all the technology examined in this study was safety focused. It stands to reason that something that warns you of a potential collision or an object in your blind spot would allow you react in time to avoid it, right?
Unfortunately, this may have been the beginning of the idea that advancements in car tech are inherently good, when this isn't the case. Technology that isn't safety-focused, like hands-free calling and heads-up displays, is more than unhelpful—it can be actively dangerous by creating more distractions. Whereas people generally use hands-free calling to avoid being distracted by handling their cell phones in the car, physically holding a phone is only part of the issue. Taking a call distracts the brain just as much when it's hands-free.
Adding features that aren't safety-focused is only part of the problem. While most drivers can understand the basic concepts behind various safety tech, all these features are given different names from manufacturer to manufacturer. That means that a driver can change cars, go from Honda Sensing to City Safety, and not realize that these are the exact same thing.
Since there's virtually no standardization involved, it's also possible for someone to not know what features their vehicle is equipped with, or how to take advantage of them. Some car tech also behaves differently from manufacturer to manufacturer. One might, for example, alert you when you're crossing a lane. Another might try to steer your car back into your lane. If you're briefly swerving to avoid an obstacle, the last thing you want is for your car to decide otherwise.
For new drivers, learning new car tech is pretty much just part of the learning experience. This can sometimes backfire, however, since they may become reliant on it and not cultivate the skills they need when that tech fails. If a backup camera gets splashed with mud, for example, it won't work properly.
Older drivers, on the other hand, are likely better off without a lot of car tech. They already have the skills in place to drive a car without it, so adding new alerts and things to pay attention to is more likely to be confusing and distracting rather than helpful.
As vehicles become more connected to the internet and incorporate features like wireless communication, software updates, and autonomous driving capabilities, the risk of cyber threats also increases. Hackers may target vehicles to gain unauthorized access, manipulate controls, or compromise the safety and privacy of drivers and passengers.
Unauthorized access and control: As vehicles become more connected to the internet and incorporate features like wireless communication, hackers may attempt to gain unauthorized access to the vehicle's systems. Once inside, they could manipulate critical controls, such as braking and acceleration, steering, or door locking mechanisms.
Remote attacks: Cybercriminals may exploit vulnerabilities in the car's software or communication systems to launch remote attacks. This could involve injecting malicious code or malware into the vehicle's systems, potentially compromising its safety, functionality, or privacy.
Data breaches and privacy concerns: Connected cars generate and store vast amounts of data, including personal information about drivers and their behaviors. If not properly protected, this data can be targeted by hackers, leading to data breaches and privacy violations.
Malicious software updates: Software updates are essential for maintaining the security and functionality of connected cars. However, if attackers gain control over the update process, they can distribute malicious software updates that could compromise the vehicle's systems or introduce vulnerabilities.
GPS and navigation manipulation: Hackers could tamper with the car's GPS and navigation systems, leading to incorrect directions or false information about routes and destinations. This could result in drivers being directed to unsafe or unauthorized locations.
Ransomware attacks: In a ransomware attack, hackers could encrypt the vehicle's systems and demand a ransom to restore access. This could effectively immobilize the car or prevent certain functions from operating until the ransom is paid.
Supply chain vulnerabilities: The complex supply chains involved in manufacturing vehicles can introduce potential cybersecurity risks. Weaknesses or compromises at any point in the supply chain could allow attackers to tamper with components or introduce malicious elements into the vehicle's systems.
To mitigate these risks, automakers and technology providers need to implement robust security measures, such as strong encryption, secure software development practices, regular security updates, and intrusion detection systems. It's also crucial for drivers to follow cybersecurity best practices, such as keeping software up to date, using strong and unique passwords, and being cautious about connecting to unfamiliar or untrusted networks.
While technology can provide convenience and assistance, it may also contribute to a sense of complacency or overreliance on automated features. This could result in drivers paying less attention to the road or becoming less skilled at handling critical situations manually. Understanding the effects of technology on human behavior and driver competence is crucial in assessing its overall impact on road safety.
Dependence on technology: As vehicles become more automated and assistive, there is a risk of drivers becoming overly reliant on the technology. This dependence may diminish their driving skills and ability to respond effectively in unexpected situations where the technology fails or needs manual intervention.
Risk compensation: Some studies suggest that drivers equipped with certain safety technologies, such as anti-lock brakes or collision warning systems, may engage in riskier driving behavior. They might feel a false sense of security and take more risks, assuming that the technology will protect them from harm.
Changes in driving habits: Car technology can influence driving habits and patterns. For example, navigation systems may encourage drivers to rely heavily on GPS directions, potentially leading to a decrease in spatial awareness and navigation skills. Adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist systems may impact drivers' willingness to actively engage in driving tasks.
Social and psychological effects: Car technology can affect social interactions and psychological well-being. For instance, hands-free calling and voice-activated features enable drivers to stay connected while driving, but it may contribute to social isolation or increased stress due to multitasking demands.
Environmental considerations: Car technology, such as electric or hybrid vehicles, can promote sustainable transportation and reduce environmental impact. It may influence human behavior by encouraging eco-friendly choices and shifting attitudes towards more environmentally conscious driving habits.
Learning and skill development: The integration of new car technologies requires drivers to learn and adapt to unfamiliar systems. This ongoing learning process can enhance technological literacy and facilitate the development of new skills. However, it can also present challenges for individuals who struggle to keep up with rapid technological advancements.
Understanding these potential impacts on human behavior is crucial for designing car technology that promotes safe, responsible, and effective use. It is important to strike a balance between providing useful features and ensuring they do not compromise driver attention, skills, and overall safety on the road.
The answer is that it depends on what kind of tech you're talking about. If it's focused on making drivers and the people around them safer, than yes. If it's intended for convenience or entertainment, then no. It also depends heavily on whether the driver is used to that particular technology. While it certainly can make the roads safer for everyone, unfocused ideas about safety and a lack of standardization mean that it's equally likely to create distractions.
Should you drive a high-tech car? If you feel that it'd help, or make the experience of driving easier for you, then yes. Drivers should avoid relying too heavily on technology while driving, and not fall victim to the mentality that technology automatically equates to safety.
