As more technologies become standard in everyday life and people are more and more on the go, multitasking while driving has become the norm on American roads. Automakers, meanwhile, are caught between growing consumer demands for more capabilities and conveniences — and the safety and legal concerns that might encourage auto designers to discourage multitasking.  The list goes on: shaving, changing clothes, fixing hair, eating and texting.

The obvious problem with this trend is that it without a doubt distracts drivers; about 80 percent of all crashes are related to some form of distracted driving, according to the U.S. government.  Car designs have made great strides in making occupants of the car safer in an accident, but they can only do so much.  Furthermore, carmakers battling for sales are turning to convenience and technological features to gain the upper hand. The automakers view is they have a responsibility to provide consumers with what they want; it is the consumer’s job to use these safely. The automakers have taken steps, on their part, to encourage a safer multitask drive. With Navigation systems, none are designed so drivers need to lower their heads more than 30 degrees from a straight-ahead position. Also, many automakers won’t allow front-seat occupants to enter destination addresses manually while the vehicle is in motion.  Including Bluetooth in vehicle design is another way automakers are addressing this issue. Drivers will never stop talking on their phones while in motion, so having hands-free technology available in the car is important.  Voice recognition technology is also making multitasking safer.

Right now four states and the District of Columbia already outlaw the use of handheld phones while driving, and at least 38 states currently are debating bills that would specifically regulate text messaging while behind the wheel, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. Highway designers are trying to add more rumble strips on highway shoulders to startle those who’ve strayed to the side, and creating greater numbers of safe rest spots along the nation’s roads.

There is a thin line between citizen’s personal property rights and the government’s right to make roads safer.  Add into the mix automakers and the technology industry and there is a lot going on.  Hopefully, in the future a common ground will be found and multitasking, for however we take it, will be safe.