Key Takeaways
- In-car touchscreens require drivers to take their eyes off the road, increasing the risk of accidents.
- Using a touchscreen while driving can demand more mental focus than talking on a handheld phone.
- New Jersey already has high rates of distracted driving on its highways.
- If a distracted driver caused your car accident, you may be entitled to compensation.
Modern vehicles feature in-car touchscreens designed to make driving more convenient. But as car makers use technology to replace physical knobs and buttons, a serious question arises: are these features actually making roads more dangerous? The evidence suggests the answer may be yes, especially here in New Jersey.
What Are Some Problems Caused by Touchscreens Behind the Wheel?
Traditional dashboard controls, dials, knobs, and buttons allow drivers to make adjustments largely by feel, without looking away from the road. Touchscreens eliminate that tactile feedback. To change the radio station, adjust the climate control, or pull up navigation, a driver must look at the screen and navigate through menus, much like using a smartphone.
Research has found that interacting with in-car infotainment systems can distract drivers for far longer than many realize. Even a few seconds of inattention at highway speeds can mean traveling hundreds of feet without truly watching the road. A few seconds are enough to cause a serious accident.
What Are the Three Types of Distracted Driving?
Touchscreen use behind the wheel creates all three recognized categories of driver distraction:
- Visual: Eyes move from the road to the screen.
- Manual: Hands leave the steering wheel to tap or swipe.
- Cognitive: Mental attention shifts from driving to navigating menus or processing on-screen information.
This triple distraction makes touchscreens one of the more dangerous features in modern vehicles.
What Should New Jersey Drivers Be Concerned About?
New Jersey roads are already among the busiest in the country, and distracted driving is a persistent problem on state highways. Studies of New Jersey motorists have shown high rates of distraction from handheld devices, and in-car touchscreens present a similar hazard. When drivers are navigating dense traffic on the Garden State Parkway or the Turnpike while also tapping through infotainment menus, the consequences can be severe.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are touchscreens in cars illegal in New Jersey?
New Jersey law prohibits handheld device use while driving, but in-car touchscreens occupy a gray area. Even if legal, using them while driving can still constitute negligence if it leads to an accident.
Can I sue a driver who was distracted by their touchscreen?
Yes. If another driver’s distracted use of an in-car screen contributed to your accident, that driver may be held liable for your injuries and damages.
What evidence is used to prove touchscreen distraction?
Evidence can include vehicle data logs, witness statements, phone and infotainment system records, and accident reconstruction analysis.
What if I was also partly at fault?
New Jersey follows a modified comparative fault rule. You may still recover compensation as long as you were not more than 50% at fault for the accident.
Linwood Car Accident Lawyers at D’Amato Law Firm Recover Compensation for Injured Victims of Distracted Drivers
If you were injured in a crash caused by a distracted driver, whether from a touchscreen, a phone, or any other distraction, the Linwood car accident lawyers at D’Amato Law Firm are here to help. Our experienced legal team is ready to fight for the compensation you deserve. Call us at 609-926-3300 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation. Located in Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey, we serve clients in the surrounding areas.