Millions of drivers are ready to hit the road for the holiday season, and many of them will be doing so without the aid of technological devices. Although it sometimes appears like every driver is looking up information on a smartphone, it turns out a significant number are still using traditional written directions to get around – shirking the latest technologies in the process. 

Mintel, a supplier of consumer intelligence, recently conducted a survey to see how drivers access directions when traveling to a new location. The poll found that 31 percent of motorists still use printed or written directions, while about 25 percent of drivers use their phones to navigate. 

Those surprising results may be partially attributed to the fact that many drivers do not want to engage in distracted driving. They are hesitant to spend time searching for information on a mobile device when they should be focusing on the road. However, this could be avoided by investing in a vehicle with advanced technology and smartphone integration, which make it easy to get directions and other information without losing sight of the road. 

"Gone are tactile controls and, in their stead, many automakers are now offering touchscreens with interactive controls that allow for much of the same functionality that one would find on a smartphone or tablet computer," said Colin Bird, an automotive analyst at Mintel. "These advances come at the right time, as drivers are looking for ways to reduce the distracting nature of the mobile phone while still having the convenience of their mobile devices on hand." 

Drivers who are ready to find a vehicle with more advanced technology should check out the selection at New Jersey State Auto Auction. That lot is home to hundreds of CARFAX-certified cars, trucks and vans, many of which have state-of-the-art features that can make driving easier and more fun.