DISTRACTED DRIVING: Study on Use of Voice Command Technology

A new study by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety shows drivers who use hands free cell phones to talk or send messages while on the road are at least two times more distracted than those not using a cell phone behind the wheel.

The study also reveals that those using speech-to-text in-car communication systems are three times more distracted than those drivers who are by themselves and not using a cell phone or listening to the radio.

The study was conducted by measuring the cognitive results of 38 people between the ages of 18 and 30. The participants had an average of 6.9 years driving experience. To see how people are distracted behind the wheel, the participants were measured in three different experiments performing a baseline task.

Last year, more than 3,000 deaths were linked to distracted driving accidents according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. For additional information see: CNBC;  Yahoo!