Study Shows Speech-To-Text Not Safer Than Manual Texting
by Amber Cortez | April 30th, 2013 | Blog, Driving Tips
The Texas A&M Transportation Institute has released a study showing that speech-to-text technology on smartphones is not safer in preventing distractions when driving compared to manual texting. Apple Inc.’s iPhones contain a feature known as “Siri”; software allowing operation of the mobile phone through speech. Android mobile phones also have a similar technology called “Vlingo”. The two technologies were used in the study.
Sponsored by the Southwest Region University Transportation Center, the study was performed with the participation of 43 subjects driving four laps on a closed course while texting. Each individual lap included:
- No distractions
- Manual texting
- Using Apple’s Siri
- Using Android’s Vlingo
Reaction time was based on the driver looking at the road and a blinking light on the dashboard as well as receiving and sending texts. The results revealed that through manual texting, reaction time was twice as slow compared to having no distractions. Time spent paying attention to the road was also limited. The dangers of texting and driving presented in the study reflect the findings of the Texas Department of Transportation.
April has been designated as the National Distracted Driving Awareness Month, which informs the public of the dangers of texting and driving. Texas state lawmakers are also considering the passage of a bill that outlaws the act.
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