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

  • ITS European Congress: call for contributions
    September 23, 2019
    Ertico – ITS Europe is calling for session proposals and papers for the 14th ITS European Congress, which takes place in Lisbon, Portugal on 18-20 May 2020. Themed ‘ITS: The Game Changer’, the Congress will look in particular at data, focusing on areas such as connected and automated mobility, and new mobility services, as well as transport network design and operations. A welcome message from European Commissioner for Transport, Violeta Bulc, explains: “The Congress will also specifically look at other to
  • Barnacle Parking unveils efficient enforcement system
    March 19, 2018
    Barnacle Parking is here at Intertraffic to launch the Barnacle, a revolutionary device which enables a more efficient parking enforcement system across the whole lifecycle of enforcement activities. As the name suggests, the bright yellow device sticks to the windshield using two suction cups with over 450 Kgs (1,000 lbs) of combined force providing a safer, faster and more efficient way for officials to immobilise vehicles. The device can simply be placed across the windshield, suctioned to the glass and
  • US DoT present virtual drive through the future of transportation
    August 26, 2014
    If you feel like taking a Virtual Drive Through the Future of Transportation, then head for the US DOT booth #1201. The organisation is working with the researchers at the National Advanced Driving Simulator (NADS) at the University of Iowa to develop short driving simulator scenarios demonstrating a variety of vehicle-to-infrastructure, vehicle-to-pedestrian, and vehicle-to-vehicle applications.
  • Honda’s unique offer: communications between cars and motorbikes
    October 24, 2012
    A tradition of innovation demonstrated by Honda over the years is continuing with the company’s high level and unique involvement in C2X communication between vehicles and infrastructure. As a leading global vehicle manufacturer and partner in the Car2Car Consortium, Honda is playing a key role in harmonising developments in the three main regions of Europe, America and Asia-Pacific. Honda is also the only company to have contributed a system for including motorbike safety in the European Drive C2X developm