In some ways, these results are hardly surprising. It’s common to see drivers breaking rules requiring hands-free headsets. Auto makers and cellphone manufacturers have been trying to tackle the problem as well, integrating voice-recognition technology into cars and offering motion-sensing apps for phones to discourage talking while driving.
Still, real-world calls never seem to go as smoothly as the hands-free conversations in the commercials, and that keeps people reaching for their phones even when they know better. In fact, most people recognize the dangers of using electronic devices while driving — around 88 percent, the Post reported — but a third admit they still use their phones for talking and texting behind the wheel.
One car company which is attempting to deal with the problem of distracted drivers attempting to text is Ford, which has a Sync service including an integrated voice text messaging feature. As Hayley Tsukayama reported:
In an effort to cut down on texting and driving, Ford is adding text messaging services as an upgrade on all vehicles that use its Sync service. Sync is Ford’s foray into the world of connected cars — a system that lets drivers use voice commands to make phone calls, control music and get weather or traffic reports.
According to Mashable, Ford is rolling the text messaging feature Tuesday to all models from 2010 or later with Sync installed. To get the new feature, Ford owners should head to the Ford Sync site to download the upgrade and installation instructions, the report said.
Connected cars are seen as a growing trend, adding a layer of meaning to the term “mobile device.” At this year’s Consumer Electronics Show, Audi and Ford both delivered keynote speeches that touched on Web-connected cars. A report last week from the New York Times indicated that it was a hot topic at last week’s CTIA-The Wireless Association meeting for enterprise and business applications.
More from The Washington Post
Poll: Do you use your cellphone while driving?
NTSB recommends ban on nonemergency driver cellphone use
Loading...
Comments