Why your high-tech car might be the death of you

We know the dangers of texting and driving, which is worse than drunk driving. But now there’s a new study from the University of Utah neuroscience researchers that shows your car is too distracting. All of the high-tech devices in your car, AKA infotainment, are trying to kill you. 
Joel Cooper, a research assistant professor at the U of U, says we aren't as good at multitasking as we like to think. 
A team of volunteers drove around the Avenues, which is a fancy neighborhood in Salt Lake City, Utah, at the posted speed limit of 25 miles per hour (mph). They tested 30 cars and they found the ever more complex dashboards are sucking your attention away from the road. It's too hard for you to focus on the road and focus on the million apps you've probably downloaded onto your phone. 
Think about it. We all plug our cell phones, get text messages, email, music, podcasts, etc., while we drive. 
The study found even with these voice-based systems, like SIRI,  drivers took their eye off the road for up to 24 seconds. That's long enough to get in a car accident.
The researchers found that Tesla dashboards are incredibly distracting, especially when there's a feature where you can draw while driving. (Who wants to draw while driving?) 
Some people think they're safe from getting in wrecks if they're only using their phones at stop lights. Researchers found that even when those people put down their phones, their mind is still focused on those text messages that they sent for up to 24 seconds after they begin driving again. 
The study found that programming your GPS is the most distracting activity. 
Jeff and Jay at three is hosted by KSL's Jeff Caplan and Jay Mcfarland. Jeff is on weekdays from 3-5 pm on KSL News Radio. 
The JayMac News Show is hosted by KSL NewsRadio's Jay McFarland, who also hosts the fictional podcast, Hosts of Eden. KSL NewsRadio is part of Bonneville Media and based in Salt Lake City, Utah.