Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood wants you to know how dangerous distracted driving is and he believes that limiting the capabilities of your phone while you’re driving can be a major step in helping to solve this issue. He and the government are proposing some voluntary restrictions which will disable some of your phone’s features while you’re driving.
The proposed rules would limit your devices while driving but it would still enable users to do hands-free calling, likely through a Bluetooth hookup with the car. If adopted, it could mean that when you’re driving, your phone won’t be able to access the Internet, send text messages, or go to social media sites.
It’s an interesting proposal, as we all know that having no phone, radio or other distractions would make driving a bit safer but there’s no way to ensure that driving is ever truly safe. Additionally, consumers expect to have more access at their fingertips and having those shut off could be a shock, even if you don’t use these while driving.
We’re never going to truly get rid of all distracted driving but I believe that most people can handle a bit more distraction while driving than LaHood is giving them credit for. I mean, you used to hear similar distracted driving arguments about the radio when it first came out too. I think there can be a middle ground and we’re starting to see car companies smartly integrate smartphone technology with cars in a safe manner.
Companies like Ford, BMW, TeleNav and others are utilizing apps and navigation in a way where the driver doesn’t have to look away from the road. Until we have fully automated cars, there’s always going to be an element of danger while driving but I believe that smart people can come together to help solve this issue.
[Via Phonescoop, Reuters, photo via Shutterstock, Khromov Alexey]