Third of motorists think technology is making drivers more dangerous behind the wheel
As automotive companies continue to work on the fully driverless car, some motorists are concerned they are becoming too reliant on technology.
Insurance price comparison website Quotezone.co.uk has warned drivers to stay safe behind the wheel and avoid getting distracted by touchscreens.
According to a new study, 34 percent of motorists state that infotainment touchscreens that control the radio, sat nav or heater controls, divert their attention from the road.
Greg Wilson, CEO of Quotezone.co.uk, noted that, whilst many features in modern cars can be very useful, it is incredibly important that drivers do not become overly reliant on them.
He advised: "Our survey results show the majority of people have some sort of automated technology in their cars, and many of them are relying on it regularly when it coes to basic driving skills.
"Things like parallel parking, timely braking, cruise control and navigation have all been taken out of the drivers control by automated car systems. This raises a question around whether this is making us worse drivers, considering many of us are no longer practicing driving skills to complete these tricky manoeuvres."
Almost all new cars feature touchscreens and driver assistance technology, such as adaptive cruise control and automatic emergency braking.
These systems aim to reduce the likelihood of collisions with other road users, with the car reacting to surroundings automatically if it senses that it is too close to other vehicles or pedestrians.
Nevertheless, a third of those taking part in Quotezone.co.uk's survey feared that the technology is making drivers less adept whilst on the road.
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According to the Highway Code, drivers are able to use assistance features behind the wheel so long as they still pay full attention to their surroundings.
Quotezone.co.uk also highlighted that motorists cannot hold technology in their vehicle responsible for any incidents caused whilst the systems are in operation.
In some cases, motorists could be charged with dangerous driving, which could result in a driving ban and between three and 11 penalty points."
Greg also highlighted that motorists who take a back seat when driver assistance technology is in use could face difficulties with their insurer.
He explained: "Drivers must ensure they are following the Highway Code and that none of these assisted features are causing a distraction or lack of concentration. Failure to do so could land them with hefty fines, points on their license or even disqualification.
"When it comes to insurance, any drivers adding car technology systems must let their insurance provider know. This ensures their policy is accurate and up to date - failure to do so could lead to a void policy, leaving drivers unprotected should they need to make a claim."