In our latest LaneFX® Auto Safety Series, we set out to measure the true impact of in-vehicle distractions on the driver’s ability and willingness to check the vehicle's blind spots. While the importance of proper blind spot checking prior to changing lane cannot be overstated, this latest LaneFX survey shows how reliably drivers ar executing safer lane changes while sharing their attention with the multitude of technology and other in-vehicle distractions. Our study analyzed the driving habits of almost 500 volunteers. We examined the "all-star" list of driving distractions. By and large, the results¹ have shown that virtually every common in-vehicle distraction actually reduces your likelhood of checking your blind spot:

Take a look at our summary findings graphs on the right. The results are a good visual illustration of our respondnets' opinions and our final tally⁴. On average, a driver with one or more distractions⁵ can be as much as four times more likely to ignore checking their blind spot before a lane change or merge.

But wait there’s more telling driver behavior:

Building automotive safety technologies means providing workable, safe solutions to our customers: The everyday rush-hour warriors and commuter drivers. From the early stages of product development and well into producing and selling our systems, we rely on your valuable feedback to produce effective, safe and relevant technologies. With that, we would like to thank all of you who have participated in this significant study and to all who choose to participate in our next study: America's Blind Spot Challenge.