Skip to main content

Car owners fear in-car connectivity technology

In-car technology is revolutionising the driving experience, especially when it comes to connectivity options, including mobile device connection to the Internet, navigation systems, emergency response systems, and driving habit monitoring devices. Yet, it is claimed that more than three in four car owners (76 per cent) report that they believe in-car connectivity technologies are too distracting and even dangerous to have. In addition, more than half (55 per cent) argue that automakers have taken technolog
August 2, 2012 Read time: 2 mins
In-car technology is revolutionising the driving experience, especially when it comes to connectivity options, including mobile device connection to the Internet, navigation systems, emergency response systems, and driving habit monitoring devices. Yet, it is claimed that more than three in four car owners (76 per cent) report that they believe in-car connectivity technologies are too distracting and even dangerous to have. In addition, more than half (55 per cent) argue that automakers have taken technology for road use too far.

These are some of the results of The Harris Poll of 2,634 US adults (ages 18 and over) of whom 1,991 own or lease a car, truck, minivan or SUV, surveyed online between May 7 and May 15, 2012 by Harris Interactive.

Beyond fearing how connectivity technology may impede driver focus, a strong majority of car owners (62 per cent) also worry about how technology may interfere with their privacy, including where and how they drive. Just over two in five US car owners (41 per cent) believe that their insurance rates could increase because of what in-car technology reveals about their driving habits. This is more of a concern among younger drivers between 18 and 35 (46 per cent) and men (46 per cent).

American car owners are, however, conflicted when it comes to technology and their cars. Three in five (61 per cent) view their car as a haven from the outside world and thus don't want to always be connected while driving. Yet, more than half of car owners find that in-car connectivity makes driving more enjoyable (58 per cent) and makes them feel safer (57 per cent) while on the road.  Men in particular enjoy having connectivity in their cars (64%) more than women (53%) and feel safer with technology on-board (61%) compared to women (54%).  

More insights and trends on consumer preferences for over 60 advanced automotive technologies can be found in the 2012 Harris Poll AutoTechcast study. Among an array of topics, the study evaluates distracted driving habits, preferences for mobile applications within the connected car of the future, and the perceptions of time needed to offset premiums of alternative powertrain technologies.

To learn more about the 2012 AutoTechcast study, which is available now, visit: %$Linker: External <?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-16"?><dictionary /> 0 0 0 oLinkExternal HarrisInteractive.com www.harrisinteractive.com/Products/AutoTECHCASTUS.aspx false http://www.harrisinteractive.com/Products/AutoTECHCASTUS.aspx false false%>.

Related Content

  • Siemens displays on intermodal and integrated eTicketing system
    October 22, 2012
    Intelligent traffic information and management systems are the key to reducing traffic jams and accidents. And, as Siemens points out, they can also cut carbon dioxide emissions by up to 20 per cent. "By managing and monitoring networked traffic flows, our goal is to make mobility in cities significantly more efficient, and above all more environmentally friendly," said Sami Atiya, Head of the Mobility and Logistics Division of Siemens' new Infrastructure & Cities Sector. But it isn’t just intelligent traff
  • Gewi demonstrates how its TIC connects systems, vehicles and travellers
    October 23, 2012
    The 2012 ITS World Congress marks Gewi’s 20th anniversary of keeping travellers informed worldwide, and the company is exhibiting how its TIC connects systems, vehicles, and travellers. TIC has been used in live traffic information systems since 1997, and is used worldwide by many types of organisations including government agencies, police, DoT’s, commercial RDS-TMC and TPEG service providers, automobile clubs, road operators, radio stations and car and device navigation manufacturers. Recently, Gewi added
  • Econolite celebrates 80 years in business at ITS America 2013
    April 23, 2013
    Econolite celebrated a major milestone here at the ITS America Annual Meeting – the company’s 80th birthday. It was in 1933 that Econolite began distribution of traffic signal controllers at a time when a gallon of gas cost just 10 cents and the interstate highway system hadn’t even been conceived.
  • Flir and Traficon track cyclists
    May 21, 2012
    Flir has teamed up with Traficon to develop automatic detection for cyclists using thermal imaging. The two companies have jointly developed a thermal video solution that meets all federal and state guidelines for tracking cyclists throughout the approach to an intersection.