Ford hopes that this new technology will become more widely adopted by phone manufacturers.
The article later questioned why Bluetooth has not already come up with a text-to-voice option? The response is that there are several apps currently, one called DriveSafe.ly and SMS Replier. However, only a few manufacturers such as Ford and BMW has integrated the new technology into their vehicles.
This seems pretty incredible. Do you think that even though its hands free, it will still distract drivers?...I personally believe that drivers should be concentrated on the road and just deal with their phone calls and text messages when they reach their destination. But, maybe if Ford perfects this technology they will be able to prevent accidents for phone use while driving...
To read the full article: http://mashable.com/2011/10/18/ford-text-message/
4 comments:
I think the research on this topic suggests that hands free is still pretty dangerous. Also, people might be encouraged to text more with this feature, which would really be bad.
This sounds like a great technology in theory. There is nothing more annoying than having to look back and forth between the cell phone and the road, then slamming on the brakes to make sure you don't rear-end anyone. I'm wondering how this will be perceived in states that have laws against texting while driving. Something tells me it won't be a smooth transition like Ford is hoping for.
Personally I think the only way to keep people from texting while driving is introducing draconic penalties. I most cases accidents happen when more than one factor influences the driver - let's say emotional distress and a text message. Imagine this situation. You drive on the interstate and all of a sudden your Ford reads a message from your girlfriend, telling you that she breaks up with you. Now ask yourself, would you answer with a standard response message?
We have a serious texting while driving epidemic in the U.S. I commend Ford for this feature; receiving a message through your speakers beats fiddling with your phone any day. However, I think the ideal scenario would be to just drive without any distractions period including mental ones. Personally I find even Bluetooth distracting because you're still mentally not focused on driving.
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