There is no doubt that we have evolved into a connected society. It seems like every waking hour involves some form of communication with the outside world, and everything from tweeting to texting lets us do that. But this constant need for connectivity can be incredibly dangerous behind the wheel of a motor vehicle. It can cause drivers to become distracted and cause accidents. But despite this fact, manufacturers continue to introduce new technologies that can make any motorist a hazard.
Take for example Apple’s new CarPlay technology. The company boasts that it will make it easier for drivers to make hands-free calls and texts, access their favorite music apps and even use navigation tools all while driving. Apple feels that this new technology addresses users desire to have “their content at their fingertips” in a safer way. But many critics disagree, pointing out that the system still contributes to “cognitive distraction,” meaning the driver’s full attention is not focused on the road and driving.
The argument surrounding the use of Apple’s new technology may seem like a similar one to our Tennessee readers who know all too well the dangers of distracted driving. But just like with texting and driving, some fear that state laws will not be equipped to handle car accidents caused by the new hands-free system. Furthermore, some states have not even addressed the safety issue texting and driving currently presents.
According to the Governors Highway Safety Association, 42 states, including Tennessee, have bans on texting and driving for all drivers. But what about using hands-free systems? Do current laws account for this? It’s these questions we hope to leave our readers with today because only time will tell now if these same questions are being asked by lawmakers as well.
Source: Macrumors.com, “Auto Safety Experts Concerned About CarPlay and Distracted Driving,” Kelly Hodgkins, Mar. 5, 2014
