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

  • March 5, 2014
    New features for Phonepark parking management app.
    Portuguese company EST will present its new Android application for managing a Phonepark parking place. This application allows users to manage their private parking space and they may temporarily authorise its use by other users (30 different users). In case of parking space abuse, the owner of the space is immediately warned by sms, in the same way as the multi-user Phonepark. A new design and new features for the standard Phonepark will be shown at Intertraffic. EST says it plans to extend the implementa
  • December 11, 2017
    Call for Contributions still open, ITS World Congress 2018
    The Call for Contributions are still open for the ITS World Congress 2018, in Copenhagen. Through ITS, it aims to find answers to climate, air pollution, urbanization, congestion, and traffic safety through its main theme Quality of Life. The deadline for the submission of papers is 15 December 2017. Next year’s event is expected to attract over 10,000 visitors, 4,000 delegates and 400 exhibitors and will be held in the Bella Center from 12-21 September 2018. More information in the Call for Contribution
  • October 19, 2012
    BlipTrack Bluetooth tracking system
    Blip Systems will use the ITS World Congress to gain further momentum for the company's BlipTrack Bluetooth tracking system that has already been deployed in many locations around the world, not just for accurate and valid travel time, traffic flow and speed information in urban areas. As the company points out, its system is able to track the same person whether they are walking, cycling, driving a car, using trains, ferries, planes and other types of transportation.
  • February 26, 2014
    Roadside safety solutions, markings, barriers from Lindsay
    Barrier Systems and Snoline, operating within the Lindsay Transportation Solutions Group, will be highlighting their full line of crash cushions, guardrail end terminals, pavement markings and road barriers, including the Road Zipper system, at Intertraffic Amsterdam 2014. Lindsay says that Europe has been slow for the last three years but the company is pleased to announce new Road Zipper system projects in the UK, Germany and Holland this spring. During Intertraffic, the system will be used to manage