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When cars themselves are backseat drivers

A MyLink menu is displayed inside a Chevorlet Spark electric car.

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Not to get too personal, but do you ever fight with your car? If that sounds ridiculous, it's probably because you haven't been in a new vehicle lately.

In an attempt to increase safety, comply with government mandates, and attract young and tech-focused buyers, automakers have added lots of collision-avoidance and infotainment features that come with their own -- sometimes grating -- personality.

Writer Beth Teitell notes the downsides of having her own car act as backseat driver. 

Do you ever get annoyed by your tech-heavy vehicle? Or do you like the robot companionship? Tell us in the comments below.

About the author

Beth Teitell writes for the Boston Globe. Her most recent book is called "Drinking Problems at the Fountain of Youth."
ratnix's picture
ratnix - Mar 18, 2013

Internalized road rage? How about "auto-loathing" (cf. self-loathing)?