Dangers With New Car Technology

Infotainment

1. Manufacturers are integrating digital gadgets to promote car sales and refer to the devices as "infotainment systems." According to "Despite Risks, Internet Creeps Onto Car Dashboards," by New York Times writers Ashlee Vance and Matt Richtel, critics counter by saying such devices prevent drivers from paying attention to traffic.

Features

2. Some devices are increasingly resembling PCs, offering Wi-Fi capability and Web access to maps and restaurant reviews. Safety testing still remains the responsibility of car manufacturers, rather than the government.

Regulations

3. Regulations concerning the use of digital devices while driving are spotty. Laws lag behind the technology, even though research linking more accidents to the use of digital devices by drivers dates back to 2003.