Motoring technology news
28/10/2008

Car insurance claims and motoring gadgets

A new report by the RAC has revealed that technological motoring gadgets could be responsible for cheap car insurance claims.

Of the UK drivers who took part in the online poll carried out by Motors.co.uk, 46% admitted that the gadgets on the dashboard of their car have distracted them from driving. Amongst 17 to 24 year olds the figure rose to 55%.

The survey found that SatNav proved to be the biggest distraction, as almost 30% of drivers polled cited it as having affected their driving ability.

The use of MP3 players, CD changers and mobile phones were also blamed for distraction, but the RAC also named steering wheel buttons and over-complicated dashboards as culprits responsible for driving confusion.

Katie Armitage, marketing manager for Motors.co.uk, said: "Many modern cars are filled with gadgets and gizmos and for many drivers are seen as not only confusing to use, but also a major cause of distraction for both themselves and other drivers."On the back of these findings we are urging manufacturers to 'go back to basics' and to consider the safety of drivers and how they use the add-ons, with the emphasis being placed on not losing concentration."

A spokesperson for CoverGirl Car Insurance services said, "When drivers are distracted the potential for a road traffic accident increases significantly. As a motor cover provider we urge our women motorists to learn about the controls of their vehicle thoroughly before driving and to stay focused at all times."