ROADSIDE CHAT – SERIOUSLY SIRI NOT NOW I'M DRIVING
You’re going about your day when out of nowhere a robotic voice chimes “I’m sorry, I didn’t get that.” Sound familiar? If you’ve ever found yourself driving and answering – or possibly even telling Siri – to chill out, you’re not alone. Voice assistants are much like that overly eager friend who has good intentions to help you but lacks a good sense for timing. Announcing calls and responding to our conversations unprompted, can actually be a distraction when we’re behind the wheel.
According to Demand Sage, by the end of 2024 around 8.4 billion voice assistants are expected to be used worldwide, with 149.8 million of those in use in the U.S.
Voice assistants are designed to help us, but they can turn your commute or road trip into a workout. And they’re notorious for adding extra steps. By simply asking for the weather, you may receive a full report with hourly forecasts, precipitation chances – detail overload while trying to get from Point A to Point B.
Before you decide to make a voice assistant your personal co-pilot, consider these tips:
- Turn on a ‘Do Not Disturb While Driving’ mode: Most smart devices have a feature that can block voice assistants and other notifications, which can be a lifesaver if you’re easily distracted with messages and alerts.
- Use clear, concise commands: Voice assistants can be a bit sensitive. Skip the chat and stick to the essentials.
- Pre-set destinations: Set the route before you drive, and let your assistant nap until it’s time for them to rise and shine.
- Limit voice features: If your assistant is overcommunicating, adjust their settings to limit voice commands only to maps.
In 2024 in Iowa, 301 people have been killed in traffic crashes. That’s an increase of six since last Friday. In Iowa in 2023, there were 377 traffic-related deaths. To see statistics published daily by the Office of Driver Services, go to the daily fatality report at https://www.iowadot.gov/mvd/stats/daily.pdf