With the annual Consumer Electronics Show underway in Las Vegas, a number of companies are displaying devices to bring the Internet into the dashboard of automobiles, raising serious concerns among safety advocates about the danger of distracted drivers.

Billed as "infotainment systems," these once-expensive extras for navigation only will appear as standard equipment in a wide range of models and include features like 10-inch screens mounted in the dash capable of displaying high-definition video, web pages, and maps in 3D.

While most of these systems do lock out video playback and other functions while the car is in motion, drivers will still be able to consult restaurant reviews or look at album covers, a fact that has safety advocates on the warpath.

Research continues to mount that distracted driving is one of the greatest risks on American highways, prompting attempts to legislate cell phone use and to ban texting behind the wheel. The newly emerging technologies, however, promise even greater distractions.

Nicholas A. Ashford, a professor of technology and policy at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology quoted in an article by Ashlee Vance and Matt Richtel for the New York Times said, "This is irresponsible at best and pernicious at worst. Unfortunately and sadly, it is a continuation of the pursuit of profit over safety for both drivers and pedestrians."

An example of a system to be available this fall in select Audi models will let drivers use their fingers to write inquiries on a screen that will return data like entries from Wikipedia, photos, reviews, and animated driving directions. When the system is turned on, it warns drivers to only use the service in safe traffic conditions, but otherwise places no limitation on access.

Car company representatives and their technology counterparts insist that safety remains a top priority and that emphasis is being placed on voice commands and other hands-free features. However, with wifi capability, USB interfaces, and the Internet coming to the dashboard of the newest models, it's difficult to see how drivers can help but be distracted behind the wheel.