In our latest LaneFX® Auto Safety Series, we set out to measure the true impact of in-vehicle distractions on the driver's ability/willingness to check his or her blind spot. While the importance of proper blind spot checking prior to changing lane cannot be over stated, this latest driver survey shows how reliably drivers ar executing safer lane changes while sharing our attention with the multitude of technology and other in-vehicle distractions. Our study analyzed responses from 487 voluntary respondents and their driving habits over a six month period. We examined such driving distractions as the all-too-common driving fatigue, cell phone use (including hand-free operation), on-board navigation, attending to small children, and yes, even the dreaded attention to personal appearance while behind the wheel.

Take a look at our summary findings graphs. The results are staggering. On average, a driver with one or more distractions can be as much as four times more likely to ignore checking their blind spot before lane changes and merges. 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.

Many thanks to all of you who have participated in this significant study and to all those about to take America's Blind Spot Challenge.