{"id":57567,"date":"2021-06-03T00:00:05","date_gmt":"2021-06-03T04:00:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/world.edu\/?p=57567"},"modified":"2021-06-02T17:43:56","modified_gmt":"2021-06-02T21:43:56","slug":"smartwatches-are-a-bigger-distraction-for-drivers-than-mobile-phones","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/world.edu\/smartwatches-are-a-bigger-distraction-for-drivers-than-mobile-phones\/","title":{"rendered":"Smartwatches are a bigger distraction for drivers than mobile phones"},"content":{"rendered":"

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It is estimated that 73.4 million people will use wearable technologies in the United States<\/a>\u00a0by 2022. Ready-to-wear technologies refer to connected and smart accessories that can be worn on different parts of the body.\u00a0The most popular wearable technology is the smartwatch.<\/p>\n

An important feature of this wearable technology is that it is easy to acquire and therefore can be used almost anywhere.\u00a0This convenience and adaptability means that smartwatches are used in a variety of circumstances, including while driving a car.<\/p>\n

However, safety while using a smart watch is an issue for users and those around them.<\/p>\n

One in six Americans<\/a>\u00a0owns a smartwatch that they use at least once a month.\u00a0According to the International Data Corporation, a marketing and technology research firm, smartwatches will account for 70.2% of all ready-to-wear technologies by 2022.<\/p>\n

Distracted driving<\/strong><\/h4>\n

One of the main consequences of driver distraction\u00a0is decreased reaction time<\/a>\u00a0.\u00a0It contributes to a large part of traffic accidents.\u00a0Recent research has found that when drivers have conversations on their devices – whether handheld or hands-free –\u00a0reaction time is slower and drivers’ ability to assess and respond to a problem decreases.<\/a>\u00a0.\u00a0In short, it is dangerous to use a smart device while driving.<\/p>\n

Transport Canada refers to this situation\u00a0as distracted driving<\/a>\u00a0\u00a0: \u201cDistracted driving occurs when the driver’s attention is diverted from driving because he is focused on something else.\u00a0”<\/p>\n

When a driver is distracted, his performance as well as his perception of road conditions are not optimal.\u00a0Distracted drivers are slower to become aware of safety concerns and figure out how to resolve the problem.\u00a0In many cases, in a dangerous situation, they cannot physically react as quickly.<\/p>\n

This reduces the ability of a distracted driver to operate a vehicle safely.\u00a0A driver may not even be aware of a problem, or even have been distracted.\u00a0In this situation, he therefore fails to react sufficiently adequately and quickly to all eventualities.<\/p>\n

Distracted driving isn’t just about problems outside of a vehicle.\u00a0Transport Canada notes that distraction can take the form of text messages, talking on the phone or with passengers, eating or drinking, or using an entertainment or navigation system.\u00a0Using a hands-free electronic device<\/a>\u00a0is four times more distracting for the driver than talking to a passenger.<\/p>\n

Laws are not always clear<\/strong><\/h4>\n

In Canada, distracted driving is responsible for 21% of fatal crashes and 27% of crashes resulting in serious injury.\u00a0In the United States, in 2017 alone,\u00a03,166 people were killed on the roads as a result of distracted driving<\/a>\u00a0.\u00a0Over 90% of road accidents\u00a0are due to human error<\/a>\u00a0– these accidents are preventable.<\/p>\n

Most states in the United States have laws that prohibit distracted driving: the majority of states prohibit a driver from talking on a mobile phone or sending text messages while driving.\u00a0Smartwatches are often not\u00a0included in this restriction<\/a>\u00a0.\u00a0In Quebec, the highway safety code is much clearer:\u00a0\u201cIt is strictly forbidden to use a portable electronic device while driving. Simply holding it in your hand or in any other way while driving is prohibited \u201d<\/a>\u00a0.<\/p>\n

To change laws so that the use of smartwatches is banned or restricted, and in order to change driver habits, research needs to show how these technologies distract users.<\/p>\n