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AAA: In-Vehicle Infotainment Systems Especially Distracting to Older Drivers

New research suggests focusing on older drivers could hold the key to safer in-vehicle technology for everyone

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New in-vehicle infotainment technology has the potential to increase comfort and extend mobility for older drivers, but first it has to stop distracting them.  On average, older drivers (ages 55-75) removed their eyes and attention from the road for more than eight seconds longer than younger drivers (ages 21-36) when performing simple tasks like programming navigation or tuning the radio using in-vehicle infotainment technology, according to new research from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety.  Regardless of age, taking your eyes off the road for just two seconds doubles a driver’s risk of a crash.

“While voice-command functions may be designed to help keep motorists' eyes and attention on the road, there seems to be a contrary effect with senior drivers,” says Theresa Podguski, director of legislative affairs for AAA East Central.  “This is especially alarming given the rising trend of motorists over the age of 65, which is currently the fastest growing demographic in the U.S.”

Study Results:  The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety partnered with researchers from the University of Utah to test the visual and cognitive demand created by the infotainment systems in six 2018 vehicles.  Study participants in two age groups (21-36 and 55-75) were required to use voice commands, touch screens and other interactive technologies to make a call, send a text message, tune the radio, or program navigation, all while driving.

Researchers found that the technology created potentially unsafe distractions for all drivers, though this safety risk is more pronounced for older adults, who took longer (4.7-8.6 seconds) to complete tasks, experienced slower response times, and increased visual distractions.

Completion Time by Task Type

Audio Entertainment

Calling and Dialing

Text Messaging

Navigation Entry

Younger (21-36 yrs)

18.0 sec

17.7 sec

27.7 sec

31.4 sec

Older (55-75 yrs)

25.4 sec

22.4 sec

33.8 sec

40.0 sec


The complex design of the technology created increased visual and cognitive demand for older drivers.  For example, some systems included multiple menus and cumbersome voice command functions that significantly reduced older drivers’ ability to easily complete seemingly simple tasks.

Specific design changes to in-vehicle infotainment systems, like improving voice-command technology, simplifying software menus, removing complex center console controls, and positioning system controls to allow drivers to keep their eyes on the road would better meet the needs of older adults and make the systems safer for all drivers.

Whether purchasing a new vehicle, or renting one while traveling, AAA recommends that all motorists keep the following tips in mind:

  • Avoid interacting with in-vehicle infotainment technology while driving except for legitimate emergencies.
  • Practice using the voice command and touch screen functions when not driving to build comfort in case emergency use is required.
  • Avoid vehicles that require use of a center console controller when using the infotainment system. These kinds of systems are especially distracting, and potentially dangerous.

About the study:  A total of 128 drivers ages 21-36 and 55-75 participated in the study of six 2018 model-year vehicles.  The latest report is the seventh phase of distraction research from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety.  Visit AAA.com/distraction to learn more.

About AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety: Established in 1947 by AAA, the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety is a nonprofit, publicly funded, 501(c)(3) charitable research and educational organization. The AAA Foundation’s mission is to prevent traffic deaths and injuries by conducting research into their causes and by educating the public about strategies to prevent crashes and reduce injuries when they do occur. This research is used to develop educational materials for drivers, pedestrians, bicyclists and other road users. Visit www.AAAFoundation.org.

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AAA East Central is a member club affiliated with the American Automobile Association (AAA) national federation and serves members in Kentucky, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania and West Virginia.