Voice-controlled sat-navs can distract drivers for 40 seconds

TECHNOLOGY in cars that allow drivers to use their voices to control sat-nav or send text messages are so distracting they should be banned, experts warn.

Many assume that because the devices are factory-fitted and legal, they must be safe. But, in fact, they divert the driver’s attention, researchers said.

They asked drivers to try out ‘infotainment’ systems in 30 new car models and found using voice-controlled technology and touch-screens distracted drivers for more than 24 seconds. At 25mph, a car would cover 300 yards in this time, while other research shows the risk of crashing doubles if you take your eyes off the road for two seconds.

Programming sat-navs was the most distracting task, taking 40 seconds, followed by texting. Lead researcher David Strayer, of Utah University, said: ‘We’re putting more technology in the car that just does not mix with driving ... More stuff is at the driver’s fingertips to distract them.’

The team, who conducted the research for the American Automobile Association, looked at cars on the US market, but similar ‘infotainment’ features are available in British cars.