New study: This is a big distraction for drivers over 55

If you’re one of those drivers who has a hard time working your radio and keeping your eyes on the road at the same time, a recent study says you’re not alone.

New in-vehicle technology — also known as an “infotainment” system — is increasingly making it difficult for older drivers to concentrate behind the wheel, according to AAA.

AAA: Infotainment systems are distracting older drivers

The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety found that older drivers (ages 55-75) “removed their eyes and attention from the road for more than eight seconds longer than younger drivers (ages 21-36).”

The distractions were centered on simple tasks you may take for granted, like setting up the navigation system or using the radio.

Completion Time by Task Type
Audio Entertainment Calling and Dialing Text Messaging Navigation Entry Younger (21-36 yrs) 18.0 sec 17.7 sec 27.7 sec 31.4 sec Older (55-75 yrs) 25.4 sec 22.4 sec 33.8 sec 40.0 sec

The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety and University of Utah researchers looked into how drivers respond to commands from infotainment systems in six 2018 vehicles.

Participants performed several functions while driving, including using touch screens and interactive technologies to call and send a text to someone, as well as adjust the radio and navigation tool.

The study found that all drivers who use infotainment systems are distracted, but that is especially the case for older drivers.

In fact, the senior drivers in the study “took longer (4.7-8.6 seconds) to complete tasks, experienced slower response times, and increased visual distractions.”

The research concludes that design improvements may be the key to safer technology in cars.

“This is a design problem, not an age problem,” said Jake Nelson, AAA director of traffic safety advocacy and research. “Designing systems to meet the safety and comfort needs of aging drivers would benefit all of us today, and for years to come.”

Even if your current vehicle doesn’t have an infotainment system, you may come across the new technology in a rental car. To stay safe, AAA recommends the following steps:

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• Limit use of infotainment systems while driving as much as possible.
• Learn how to use your voice command systems and touch-screen technology before you drive the vehicle.
• Avoid using center console controllers. These systems are even more distracting, making them potentially dangerous.

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Is your Caribbean vacation destination safe?

Americans looking to travel to the Caribbean are typically interested in the three S’s: sand, sun and safety. But it’s the latter that has people’s attention of late.

One reason for that is the mysterious deaths that have plagued the Dominican Republic of late. While the investigations into those deaths continue, Delta Air Lines is allowing customers to change or cancel their flights there.

Does your favorite vacation spot have a travel advisory?

When it comes to favorite tourist destinations in the Caribbean, Americans have a wide palette. But with the state of the world, it’s always best to cross reference potential vacation spots with safety advice from the U.S. government.

The State Department maintains a list of travel advisories and warnings for countries around the world. There are four levels to be aware of. They are:

• Level 1: Exercise normal precautions
• Level 2: Exercise increased caution
• Level 3: Reconsider travel
• Level 4: Do not travel

Most Caribbean islands only have Level 1 travel advisories at present, but some (including Dominican Republic) are under Level 2 travel advisories. Here’s how they stack up and what, specifically, the government says you should be looking out for if you travel to any of these places.

Caribbean destinations 2019: Level 1 travel advisories

Here are the Level 2 travel advisories and warnings, according to the State Department:

Caribbean destinations 2019: Level 2 travel advisories

Country Reason For Level 2 Advisory Date Issued The Bahamas Travel Advisory “Violent crime, such as burglaries, armed robberies, and sexual assault, occurs even during the day and in tourist areas. Although the family islands are not crime-free, the vast majority of crime occurs on New Providence and Grand Bahama islands.” April 15, 2019 Jamaica Travel Advisory “Violent crimes, such as home invasions, armed robberies, sexual assaults, and homicides are common. Sexual assaults occur frequently, including at all-inclusive resorts. Local police lack the resources.” May 7, 2019 Trinidad and Tobago Travel Advisory “Exercise increased caution due to crime, terrorism, and kidnapping.

Do not travel to:

Laventille,

Beetham,

Sea Lots, Cocorite, and the interior of Queen’s Park Savannah in Port of Spain.” April 9, 2019 Cuba Travel Advisory “Exercise increased caution in Cuba due to attacks targeting U.S. Embassy Havana employees resulting in the drawdown of embassy staff.” April 23, 2019 Turks and Caicos Islands Travel Advisory Especially in Providenciales, “local medical care and criminal investigative capabilities are limited.” February 25, 2019 Dominican Republic Travel Advisory “Violent crime, including armed robbery, homicide and sexual assault is a concern throughout” the country.

April 15, 2019

A Level 3 travel advisory constitutes a “Reconsider Travel” warning. As for Level 3 travel advisories in the Caribbean, there is only one:

Caribbean destinations 2019: Level 3 travel advisories

Country Reason For Level 3 Advisory Haiti Travel Advisory “Political violence and violent crimes are common in Haiti, including murders, robberies, assaults, vehicle break-ins, and home invasions. Travelers are often targeted, followed, and violently attacked and robbed shortly after leaving the Port-au-Prince international airport.”

Note: As of spring and summer 2019, there are no Level 4 travel advisories in the Caribbean. 

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When it comes to travel advisories, conditions can change at any time, so it’s always a good idea to check with the State Department before you travel out of the country.

Here are 3 safety steps when traveling abroad

Here are three safety tips from the State Department:

• Never leave valuables unattended: That goes for any public areas, including the beach, the hotel lobby, hotel rooms, or in rental homes.
• Don’t isolate yourself: Going out on the town? Always stick to well-lit and well-traveled routes.
• Always be aware of your surroundings: If you see something suspicious or unusual contact local police to report immediately.

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