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Driver Distraction Debate Heats Up
SEP
11
Driver distraction is an important issue, with considerable debate over the proper solution. On Tuesday, September 8, a new bill was introduced in congress that attempts to address the problem with a nationwide answer.
“Ford believes hands-free, voice-activated technology substantially reduces that risk by allowing drivers to keep their hands on the wheel and eyes on the road,” said Sue Cischke, Group Vice President for Sustainability, Environment and Safety Engineering. “Ford supports a ban on hand-held text messaging while driving – and we endorse the legislation introduced by Senator Charles E. Schumer (D-NY) and Rep. Carolyn McCarthy (D-NY) that would encourage a more rapid transition to hands-free and voice-activated technologies.”
The bill, H.R. 3535, is officially called The Avoiding Life-Endangering and Reckless Texting by Drivers (ALERT Drivers) Act of 2009. It will required states to enact legislation that prohibits drivers from writing, sending and reading an instant message or email while driving. You can learn more about the bill as well as track, comment and share it at OpenCongress.com by clicking here.
“At Ford, we think driver distraction is a critically important issue,” said Sischke. “Drivers experience many different types of distractions on a daily basis. Drivers are going to have conversations, read maps and directions, and listen to music while they drive. The most complete and most recent research shows that activity that draws drivers’ eyes away from the road for an extended period while driving, such as text messaging, substantially increases the risk of accidents.”
One of the technologies that is available on some Ford models to help avoid distracted driving is the SYNCTM system. Please see the fact sheet below to learn more about the features of SYNC.
This video demonstrates some of the things you can do with the Ford SYNC system.
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Your Ideas
Everyone today has a smartphone whether its iOS or Android it doesn't matter. If you look at what the majority of Ford Owners do with their phones when thy are driving most lay them on the centre console, either inside the cup-holder (like the Ford marketing materials show) or a compartment somewhere on the console. Most Ford Owners also run a charging cord from inside the vehicles console or media hub to their phone. While driving the phone sometimes falls off the console to the floor, or takes up a cup holder that could be used for a drink someone has to hold.
My idea is to get all that functionality into one spot but make it a robust, powered connection and phone holder all in one and as part of the vehicle.
MyDock is already being done outside the automobile industry but this idea is to incorporate the dock into the vehicle with swappable docking connectors for iOS or Android phones. Moulded into each of the Ford vehicle centre consoles would be a recessed dock with the appropriate connector at the bottom. The MyDock connector would not only be powered but also wired to the My Ford Touch or SYNC system for playback of audio/video sources.
The MyDock would be deep enough to hold the smartphone in an upright position and angled appropriately for the driver to see the screen. It would allow for the phone have a case on it while supporting the phone in an impact collision so the phone doesn't become a projectile.
The MyDock connector plates could be offered in any smartphone form factor to allow for any smartphone to connect. Obviously the most commonly used phones would be sold with the vehicle.
When not in use the recessed MyDock would have a rubber cover over it to stop debris from falling inside and damaging the connector.
Rate and post ideas here.
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