Focus on the road

Killer in waiting - the menace of distracted drivers

The American Automobile Association (AAA) is raising concerns about the spread of more sophisticated technology in cars that provides voice driven control of infotainment systems.

I think they have a point.  More vehicles are being equipped with this gear and in the US that volume is likely to jump from the current 9 million units to 62 million within 5 years.

Normally I'm all for technology and I love the idea of intuitive interfaces that mean the operator doesn't need to use keypads or other cryptic input methods.

However, when it comes to driving I'm of the firm belief that the car's pilot should be doing one thing only and that is focusing on driving.

If they are changing CDs, adjusting climate control, talking on a (hopefullly hands-free) phone or any other distracting activity, they are endangering the lives of themselves, their passengers and all other road users in their vicinity.

A simple suggestion - take someone with you as a passenger to make all these terribly important adjustments whilst on the move.   If you can't do that, then get everything arranged before you take the handbrake off, keep your eyes on the road ahead and on your mirrors and nothing else.  End of story.

Risky voice operated gadgets in vehicles (Stuff)