A survey from Budget Direct has identified in-car technology as a major cause of driver distraction, with a majority of respondents saying they can be put off by its presence in modern vehicles. 

The insurer says nearly 75% of respondents agree new vehicle technologies can be distracting at times, with 66% admitting to missing certain “old-school” technologies such as CD players, mechanical controls and manual transmissions.   

Respondents say the most distracting technologies in vehicles related to touchscreen technology, hand-free mobiles and speech-to-text features, audio-related features, and automated reversing technologies.  

Budget Direct says the result “highlights the importance of balance in incorporating technology into cars”, with safety technologies such as rear-view cameras and sensors topping the list for most important features.   

“While we know that mobile phone usage while driving can be as risky as drink driving, hearing from this survey that 3 in 5 drivers find their current car technology can be distracting is a concerning statistic, as multi-tasking can increase a person’s risk of a serious crash,” a Budget Direct spokesperson said.  

“The results are a reminder that while technology can offer increased safety and convenience, it also needs to be implemented thoughtfully to prevent distraction.”  

Budget Direct says factors relating to age, gender and income contribute to attitudes towards new technologies, with younger age groups, men and higher income demographics more likely to trust and value car technologies.