Heads up, folks! Research from HEC Montreal Tech3Lab reveals that "smart" watches can pose a greater distraction for drivers compared to smartphones.
Dangers of Wearing a "Smart" Watch While Driving: Insights from Research
In investigateuh, Tech3Lab, a tech-focused lab specializing in human-technology interaction, tested the impact of various gadgets on driver focus. Among these devices, they zeroed in on "smart" watches and smartphones, studying the effects of text and voice messages while driving.
To uncover the truth, they put 31 brave souls behind the wheel in a specially crafted driving simulator. During the experiment, these test subjects received notifications on their mobile phones, "smart" watches, and smart speakers (likely smart speakers) while responding using voice commands. The last scenario was slightly different, where participants received written messages and responded by typing.
Here’s the kicker. According to the study’s authors, “smart” watches negatively impact a driver’s ability to stay focused on the road. Specifically, when people received written alerts on their “smart” watches, their gaze on the road became notably less attentive.
Interestingly, messages from voice-controlled devices caused less distraction. While drivers’ concentration was compromised, it wasn’t as severely affected as with text messages.
Ain't it a kick in the head?
For those curious cats, here's a tiny taste of related data:
Smartwatches vs. Smartphones:- Screen Distractions: Smartwatches can distract drivers with instant notifications, but their smaller screen size might lower distraction time compared to smartphones’ larger screens.- Hands-Free Features: Smartwatches, like smartphones, can be voice-controlled, limiting the need for manual interaction while driving.- Overall Distraction: Both devices can lead to distractions. However, smartwatches offer fewer opportunities for engaging in complex tasks compared to smartphones.
Safety on the Road:- Distracted Driving: Using any device while driving increases the risk of accidents. However, for smartwatches, there’s less need for manual intervention if they’re used for basic notifications and voice commands.
So, there you have it. Next time you’re hitting the road, remember that "smart" watches might distract you more than your trusty ol’ smartphone. Happy and focused driving, folks!
- The study conducted by Tech3Lab found that smartwatches pose a greater distraction for drivers compared to smartphones.
- Among the gadgets tested by Tech3Lab for their impact on driver focus, smartphones and smart-home-devices like smartwatches and smart speakers were the focus of the research.
- In the experiment, participants received notifications on their smartphones, smartwatches, and smart speakers while driving, and their responses were recorded as well.
- Results showed that written messages on smartwatches caused a more significant decrease in driver attention towards the road compared to voice messages from smart speakers.
- Although smartwatches might lead to distractions while driving, they have fewer opportunities for engaging in complex tasks compared to smartphones, making them potentially safer for basic notifications and voice commands.
