Motorists Read and Send SMS Messages While Driving

A study has found that a significant number of motorists are taking their eyes off the road to read, or even send SMS messages while driving. Nuance Communications has published the results of a recent survey that assessed the experience and expectations of car owners regarding speech-enabled functions in cars. The survey of nearly 1,000 drivers across Germany, Japan and the United States confirmed that drivers rely heavily on in-vehicle information and communication devices - and they're willing to pay extra for the ease of use and safety benefits offered by speech-enabled applications in cars.

According to the Nuance survey,20 percent of drivers worldwide are taking their eyes off the road to read SMS messages or to send SMS messages (16 percent). Survey respondents embraced the advantages of voice-activated dialing or speech messaging systems that read incoming text messages and allow users to dictate new messages. More than 60 percent of survey respondents indicated a belief that speech systems would increase safety, and nearly 70 percent of respondents believed that speech-based systems make it easier to use in-vehicle equipment.

"The proliferation of technology in cars, such as mobile phones, navigation systems and MP3 players, has created a global fleet of distracted drivers," said Craig Peddie, vice president and general manager, Embedded Speech Solutions, Nuance. "From voice-activated dialing and voice destination entry for navigation systems to speech-based control of entertainment systems, embedded speech applications deliver the hands-free, eyes-free interface that today's electronically connected drivers need to balance on-road safety and personal convenience."

The survey also revealed a variety of regional/cultural differences that impact survey respondents' experience and expectations for speech-enabled functions in cars. Drivers in the US are far more likely to accept incoming calls or place a phone call while driving. European respondents expressed the most enthusiasm for speech-based applications, with significantly more German drivers expressing interest in speech-based navigation systems as well as the ability to listen to and dictate SMS messages while driving. However, US respondents using MP3 players expressed higher interest in speech-enabled entertainment devices than survey participants from other regions. In fact, speech-enabled MP3 devices were the highest ranked speech application for US drivers.

The survey also found that 60 percent of the drivers surveyed use their cell phones to select an existing contact from an address book while driving, and 54 percent are likely to accept incoming calls. 75 percent of all respondents find voice activated name dialing very helpful, and nearly 65 percent would like to be informed by voice about incoming calls."

Posted to the site on 8th September 2006