Driving Gadgets

[Wizzo]

Drivers up and down the country are being distracted by the large number of gadgets that they have in their cars.

Despite computer technology supposedly being designed to make tasks such as driving easier and safer, it turns out that we're just filling our cars with 'toys' and making our journeys more dangerous.

Research, carried out by insurers Privilege, shows that 45 per cent of motorists admit to having lost concentration while fiddling............with gadgets in the car. 

In addition, a fifth say they have veered into a different lane as a result of not concentrating, while a third have crashed.

"Having the latest in-car gadgets can sometimes make long drives more bearable, but we are urging drivers to make sure they are fully prepared before setting off on a journey and ensure all of their in-car gadgets are set up beforehand in order to avoid distractions while driving," said Privilege Insurance marketing and commercial director Kate Syred.

"Motorists should set up a playlist on their MP3 player that will last the full length of their journey - or at least until their next planned journey break."

Although drivers are clued-up on how to use their in-car gadgets, it seems they are not so knowledgeable when it comes to the cars' built-in functions.

Privilege found that 47 per cent do not know where the engine coolant gauge is, 29 per cent cannot recognise the airbag malfunction indicator, while 12 per cent don't know where the rear demister button is.