Still slow to take off, in-car voice-recognition systems are being embraced by users once they get them, according to a study released Friday by Nuance Communications. The systems have been gaining acceptance by consumers as more states initiate "hands-free" regulations governing the use of cell phones in moving vehicles.

The Maix Research and Consulting study of 473 auto owners with installed in-car voice-recognition systems revealed that 83% of car owners with working voice-recognition systems always or frequently place calls using voice commands.

"The results of this study complement additional market data that more and more drivers are becoming not only familiar, but reliant on voice-enabled in-car systems and navigation devices," said Arnd Weil, Nuance Mobile's general manager and VP of the company's automotive solutions unit. "Voice-recognition technology has tremendous benefits when applied to in-car infotainment systems and navigation devices, particularly in reducing driver distractions and in some cases stress."

Finding that 73% of drivers with in-car voice-recognition systems favor the systems over manual input systems, the study revealed that drivers tend to turn to voice-recognition systems increasingly in stressful situations. In normal driving circumstances, for instance, 58% to 63% of users use the voice systems, while usage jumps to 71% in stressful traffic situations.

Age differences come into play, too, in the use of voice-recognition systems: younger drivers between 18 and 29 are more likely to use the systems, although older drivers over 40 are more apt to turn to voice recognition in unknown areas or stressful driving situations.

And, once drivers get accustomed to voice systems, many seem to want additional voice-enabled services like traffic and weather updates as well as searches for nearby businesses.

The study also analyzed drivers' eye movements and found that voice commands generally help drivers keep their eyes on the road. Driver distraction is reduced to nearly zero for music selection and less than 10% for phone dialing.

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