We've talked a lot on this blog about the increase in vehicle safety technology, everything from reversing cameras to sensors that help drivers stay in the right lane. But safety technology is only one half of the story. The other half is entertainment technology, which is just as present as safety features in the latest vehicle models. Entertainment tech has certainly made driving more enjoyable, but it may be time to think about how it balances out those features that are making us safer.
In an article by Canadian Underwriter, Adam Malik points out that entertainment tech might actually be cancelling out the good being done by safety tech.
"... industry experts believe there's little indication that we'll see fewer collisions on roads despite all the safety technology found in today's new vehicles."
So far, the statistic have borne this out, with Aviva reporting that there has been an increase in the number of vehicles being repaired and insurance claims being filed, the exact opposite of what you might think would happen as cars become more technologically advanced in safety.
The reality is that, although safety technology can do a great deal to make driving safer, safe driving practices on the part of the driver are still an essential part of the equation. An increase in safety tech in the cars we drive is not permission to become more lax about safe driving practices, or to become more enamoured with all the entertainment tech available at our fingertips. It's a call for us to meet the challenge of safety and use the tools to our advantage in being the best drivers that we can be.
For more on the relationship between safety tech and entertainment tech, check out the article by Adam Malik in Canadian Underwriter.