The Rise of In-Car Infotainment Systems and Driver Distraction
April 28, 2025
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Modern vehicles aren’t just about engines and wheels anymore. They’ve evolved into tech hubs on wheels, and at the center of that shift is the in-car infotainment system. These systems bring together navigation, media, communication, and vehicle controls in one central screen—often touchscreen, sometimes voice-activated, and increasingly sophisticated.
From syncing your favorite playlist to adjusting the climate settings or answering a hands-free call, infotainment systems are designed to make driving more convenient. Some even offer real-time traffic updates, smart assistant integration, and personalised user profiles. And while all of this sounds incredibly helpful, it also comes with a flipside.
Car manufacturers are constantly competing on features, and infotainment systems are a big part of what sells cars today. They’ve become expected, not optional. Consumers now look for seamless smartphone integration, intuitive interfaces, and connected services as part of the standard package.
The push toward electric and autonomous vehicles has also played a role in making infotainment a focal point. As physical controls are minimised, more functions are moving onto the screen. But the more complex these systems get, the more they demand your attention—and that’s where things start to shift from helpful to hazardous.
Distraction behind the wheel isn’t a new issue. But infotainment systems have introduced a different kind of distraction—one that feels deceptively safe. After all, if a feature is built into your car, it must be safe to use, right?
Not exactly.
Even simple actions, like entering a destination into your sat nav or switching songs, take your eyes and focus off the road. And when menus are layered or poorly designed, you’re spending even longer trying to get where you need to go—both on the screen and in real life. Voice commands aren’t always foolproof either, often leading to repeat attempts that only increase frustration and distraction.
In fact, some studies show that using built-in infotainment systems can impair reaction times more than texting. That’s a serious red flag, especially when it’s happening inside a vehicle moving at 60 mph.
If you’re wondering what other behaviors might be affecting your focus behind the wheel, you can learn more by checking out these common driving distractions and how they play a role in road safety.
In the UK, the law is clear when it comes to using devices behind the wheel. You can’t use a handheld phone, even while stopped in traffic. But the law becomes less obvious with built-in infotainment systems. That gray area often leads drivers to believe it’s fine to interact with screens while driving—as long as the screen isn’t a phone.
However, if the police believe your use of the system affected your driving, you can still be penalised. That might mean fines, points on your license, or worse if you’re involved in a collision. Even when the tech is integrated into your dashboard, you're still expected to use it safely and responsibly.
Using infotainment systems irresponsibly can also impact insurance claims. If distraction contributed to an accident, your insurer might reduce your payout—or deny it entirely. And if another driver is at fault but you were distracted, proving your case becomes a lot trickier.
Accidents are messy enough without having to worry about whether tech use could complicate things. That’s why it helps to see how our accident support works before you find yourself in a situation where you're relying on it.
Avoiding distraction doesn’t mean giving up on your infotainment system altogether. It just means using it with a bit more intention.
Start by setting up everything before you even shift into drive. That includes your destination, music, and climate controls. If your system offers voice control, practice using it while parked so you’re not fumbling mid-drive. And if you’re unsure how something works, figure it out before you’re on the road—not while you're trying to navigate a roundabout.
Try not to rely on touchscreens for tasks that require too many steps. The more menus you have to scroll through, the more likely you are to become distracted. Keep your most-used functions on the home screen when possible, and limit your interactions to quick glances, not extended sessions.
Finally, don’t assume the tech will think for you. Even with smart systems and assistant features, the responsibility still sits with the driver. No amount of automation replaces the need for situational awareness and focus.
Infotainment systems aren’t going anywhere. In fact, they’ll likely keep getting more advanced and more integrated into the driving experience. But that doesn’t mean they’re risk-free.
The best way to stay safe? Know your system, use it smartly, and remember that every second your eyes are off the road is a second you’re gambling with your safety—and everyone else’s.
It’s all about balance: using the tools that enhance your drive, without letting them take your focus off what matters most.
