Car manufacturers today face intense competition in all aspects of their business, from branding and pricing to safety features, fuel efficiency, and technology integration. Consequently, with the release of each new generation of cars, manufacturers must strive to introduce something fresh and improved to attract customers.
While most technological advancements bring significant benefits to cars, such as improved fuel efficiency, safer driving experiences, and enhanced enjoyment even in heavy traffic, there are still a few features that prove to be more of a nuisance than an advantage to drivers.
Some drivers have found that certain features in their cars are confusing and uncomfortable. As cars become more technologically advanced, they also become more of an “electric botheration.” This is especially true with network-connected devices in cars, which require drivers to possess some information technology knowledge that not everyone has, particularly older drivers. Even if they manage to learn how to use these features, they often require a great deal of concentration to operate, resulting in distracted driving.
Every driver has their own list of the most annoying “technological regressions” in their car. However, here are a few of the most commonly complained-about technologies:
1. Lane Departure Warning System:
The lane departure warning system is a safety feature that uses cameras in the car to detect painted lane markings on the road. When the car starts to change lanes without the driver activating the turn signal, the system emits an alarm to alert the driver, fearing that they may lose control of the vehicle.
The problem is that many drivers want to change lanes but often forget to activate the turn signal. This often leads to false alarms, especially in situations where the road is empty with few other vehicles nearby. Additionally, unclear lane markings, adverse weather conditions affecting camera visibility, or tight curves can also trigger false alerts. As a result, many drivers choose to turn off this warning system altogether.
2. Touchscreen Infotainment Systems:
Touchscreen infotainment systems consolidate various functions and controls of the car into one screen that can be operated through touch gestures. In theory, this is a great idea, especially when combined with a user-friendly interface. However, some cars with this system have been criticized for their illogical designs and unresponsive virtual buttons. For drivers who are not tech-savvy or struggle with using smartphones, this can lead to distracted driving.
3. GPS Navigation System:
The in-car GPS navigation system is another source of frustration for many drivers. Controlled through a touchscreen, it often distracts drivers from focusing on the road. To address this safety concern, some automakers lock the touchscreens when the vehicle is in motion. While this is a good safety measure, it hinders the ability of the passenger to assist in changing the destination address. Using a mobile phone for GPS navigation may be a more practical solution, as it is more compact and easier to operate.
4. Parking Assist System:
Certain cars feature a warning system that assists drivers when parking in tight spaces. When the car is in reverse gear and gets too close to the car behind it, the system emits an alarm. However, many drivers find this feature more annoying than helpful.
A backup camera system with a rear-view display is considered a more useful and less annoying alternative for parking assistance.
5. Voice Command:
Voice command applications in cars can be immensely beneficial for those with excellent English pronunciation. However, for many Vietnamese drivers, these systems prove to be futile, as their English proficiency is limited to basic conversations. When they have difficulty pronouncing certain commands, the system fails to recognize their instructions accurately and may even provide comical responses.
These are just a few examples of the most commonly complained-about “technological regressions” in cars. Each individual driver will have their own personal list. Nevertheless, technological advancements in the automotive industry should ideally enhance the driving experience instead of creating further distractions.
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