Voice-activated features on today’s cell phones may make it easier for drivers to text or talk on the phone while behind the wheel, but a new AAA study indicates that hands-free technology is more dangerous than previously thought. In fact, the research suggests that drivers who use hands-free features on their cell phones are two times more distracted than those who don’t, and voice-activated technology that translates speech into text is the most distracting of all. If you have been injured in a distracted driving car accident in Nashville, or elsewhere in Tennessee, consult our qualified lawyers at Michael D. Ponce & Associates today for legal help. Our law firm is located in Nashville, and our legal team has years of experience protecting the rights of car accident victims throughout the state of Tennessee.
Serious Risks Linked to Hands-Free Technology
Hands-free features on cell phones are being marketed as a safer way to talk or text and drive, and many new cars are now incorporating talk-to-text systems into their design. Unfortunately, researchers involved in the AAA study found that these devices require greater concentration from drivers than other potentially distracting actions examined in the study, including talking to a passenger, listening to the radio or talking on the phone. Furthermore, the study authors found that drivers using speech-to-text technology are three times more distracted than drivers who don’t use the technology, causing them to experience a mental block like tunnel vision. “People are actually not seeing what’s going on on the side of the road. They’re not seeing the person standing at the crosswalk waiting to cross or the stop sign,” said AAA researcher Dr. Steven Bloch. “The other is what’s called inattention blindness where even things that happen right in front of them they’re losing track of.”
AAA Warns Against Use of Voice-Activated Technology
To conduct the AAA study, researchers at the University of Utah used high-tech devices to measure the brain activity of drivers while they were not driving, while they were driving in a simulator, and while they were driving a car through a neighborhood in Salt Lake City. The findings of this and other studies are so alarming that AAA officials are recommending that devices be installed in cars that would actually limit the use of voice-activated technology to basic actions like turning on the windshield wipers and air conditioning. In response to the AAA study, the National Safety Council also called on policymakers and the auto industry “to reconsider the inclusion of communications and entertainment technology built into vehicles which allow, or even encourage, the driver to engage in these activities at the expense of focusing on driving.”
Our Attorneys Can Help You File a Claim
The conclusions reached by researchers involved in the AAA study echo the findings of previous research that has compared the risks of hand-held and hands-free phone use, finding the two to be equally distracting or nearly so. Unfortunately, distracted driving is a major cause of devastating car accidents in Tennessee and across the country, resulting in more than 1,060 injuries and over nine fatalities in the United States every single day. If you or a loved one has suffered car accident injuries in Tennessee, and you believe a distracted driver to be at fault, contact our reputable attorneys at Michael D. Ponce & Associates to discuss your legal options. You may have grounds to file a personal injury lawsuit against the allegedly negligent driver, in order to pursue financial compensation for your injuries, medical expenses, and pain and suffering.
As a Non-Tennessee resident, I selected Ponce Law after reading the reviews. You guys were spot on. This firm has some of the nicest, knowledgeable and easiest lawyers and staff to work with. I was amazed and very pleased with their diligence and work ethic! Even if I was worried about something and called for advice, they were quick to respond and answered my questions. I will highly recommend this firm.
Terrence Harris 3 months ago
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Ponce Law Firm, has been the best experience for both of my children. Attorney helped me through all the process in a very timely profesional way. The Staff has been by far the best! I highly recommend this law firm.
Ailed Martinez 2 months ago
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I called ponce law after my motorcycle crash. I worked with Brian and Cheyenne and they were phenomenal to work with, very responsive, and always kept me updated with the status of my case. Thank you Cheyenne and Brian highly recommend the Ponce team!
ezekiel Johnson 3 months ago
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Always very professional. When we first called we had no idea if we even had a case, they told us we did. And even though the resolution took a little bit longer than expected, the wait was worth it. They get results and I really appreciated that they consistently gave me updates on the status of my case without me even asking. Thank you Ponce Law!
Karla Drumm 3 weeks ago
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Ponce law was amazing! All of the attorneys and paralegals were extraordinary and very competent! And a special shout out to Monserrat for always keeping me updated and in the loop!!!
Paul Little 3 months ago
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
My experience with Ponce law has been very positive! The paralegal team I had was very helpful through my case and I’m very happy with the outcome they were able to give me.
GROUND ZERO CONTENT 7 months ago
HEAR IT STRAIGHT FROM OUR CLIENTS
My son was on a school bus… The school bus was hit… He was taken by ambulance to Vanderbilt. A friend of mine, here in town, owns a hair salon. And she had recommended him. So I actually sent Mr. Ponce a message on Facebook. He said he would love to help! And you know, asked me for some more details. And I’ll give them to him. Some things were sent electronically. That I could just go online and do. And it would be done with! Even the times that I have come into the office. I’m not stuck sitting out in the waiting room forever. I’m brought straight back. And within a minute or two… We were already started!
The day of my accident, I was riding my scooter and then all sudden… The car just popped out of that other oncoming traffic. As far as trying to find a lawyer… It seemed like we could do it on our own… But it still seemed so iffy! I asked a friend what he thought, they’d mentioned Michael Ponce. And then when it was mentioned… It wasn’t with like… any hesitation. You should call Ponce Law because they will exceed your expectations.
Out of nowhere… Come a car and she hit us head-on. I thought for a moment that my wife was going to die, you know… But we’re all good! I just needed to find somebody that would have our back… I chose Michael because he’s going to be upfront with ya, he will definitely have your back!
Voice-activated features on today’s cell phones may make it easier for drivers to text or talk on the phone while behind the wheel, but a new AAA study indicates that hands-free technology is more dangerous than previously thought. In fact, the research suggests that drivers who use hands-free features on their cell phones are two times more distracted than those who don’t, and voice-activated technology that translates speech into text is the most distracting of all. If you have been injured in a distracted driving 
