Technology is always evolving, but how has this impacted the driving habits of road users throughout the UK? From mobile phones to black box installations, we wanted to take a look at the ways that these advancements are changing the ways we drive.

Hands-free mobile phone use

Despite the change in penalties for drivers caught using a mobile phone, new cars are increasingly being built with in-car technology that allows the driver to do just that. The main difference, it’s hands-free.

Take for example Apple CarPlay. This addition to certain makes and models of cars gives you the ability to compose or reply to text messages through voice recognition. Whilst this removes the need to physically hold a phone, it does still distract you whilst you’re driving.

Reliance on digital maps

Before the days of digital screens, drivers had to rely on printed maps or old-fashioned road signs. However, technological advancements mean that we’re now becoming more reliant on sat navs and smart-phone apps to find our way around.

From December 4^th 2017, learner drivers will be expected to be able to demonstrate they can input an address and follow sat nav instructions whilst driving. This will replace the traditional manoeuvres such as reversing around a corner.

However, should this really by the case? If your sat nav hasn’t been updated, then the directions could be out of date, so it’s always worth planning your route before leaving.

Little black boxes

Some insurers are now installing black boxes in the cars of their customers to help monitor their driving styles and habits. Younger drivers looking to reduce their insurance premiums typically use these, but what does the future hold for these little black boxes?

One way these could affect our driving habits would be technology monitoring. A black box may be able to detect when a mobile phone is used, when a text message is sent, how heavy the load of the vehicle is and much more.

Insurance companies could use this data to adjust premiums or monthly payments, depending on the statistics they’ve collected. Do you think that this is going too far?

Additional extras

In a driving technology study conducted by Lloyds Banking Group, they found that the most important factor when choosing a vehicle for the general public was air conditioning, closely followed by digital radio and parking sensors.

The same principles apply for those looking to rent a company car. The most important factor when choosing a vehicle was air conditioning followed closely by Bluetooth and then sat nav.

As you can see, these additional technological features have all been design to help drivers stay comfortable, connected and safe (in the case of parking sensors) whilst driving.

So there we have it, our thoughts on how technology is impacting the driving habits of modern day road users.

What do you think? Do you think we’re becoming too reliant on machines, or do you think that these advancements are helping keep road users safe?

We’d love to hear your thoughts, so let us know in the comments below. Alternatively, you can find us on Twitter here or on Facebook here.

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