News Summary: Voice-operated car tech still risky

NOT SO SAFE: Dashboard technology that lets drivers text and email with voice commands — marketed as a safer alternative — actually is more distracting than simply talking on a cellphone, a new AAA study found.

AND THE PHONE? Talking on a hands-free phone isn't significantly safer for drivers than talking on a hand-held phone, and using hands-free devices that translate speech into text is the most distracting of all, researchers reported.

UNDER THE HOOD: Automakers have been trying to excite new-car buyers with dashboard systems that let drivers use voice commands do things like turning on windshield wipers, posting Facebook messages or ordering pizza.