Ford AppLink lets jerks use Twitter while driving

[Ross K]

by Helen A.S. Popkin

Ford announced AppLink — a downloadable software voice recognition accessory that connects drivers to their precious smart phones — back in April. It won't be available until next year, and then only in the relaunched U.S. Fiesta (My high school BF's dad had an orange one!) and the UK Focus.

Still, summer can be a slow news month in a country not in the path of tropical storms. So, using the hot Twitter angle — AppLink reads tweets out loud, but won't allow you to respond — the UK Mirror asked auto safety experts just how antithetical this alleged safety-inspired AppLink actually is.

"This technology has Jekyll-and-Hyde qualities," a spokesman from the AA (a UK auto club) told the UK Mirror. "It has positive aspects — it could entertain you on a long journey and provide valuable information about your route. But it could also be a distraction — the temptation is there to 'tweet' back if you hear one read out." Indeed. Ford created AppLink following a 2009 report from the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute that revealed the dangers of driver inattention, the story goes on to mention.

How hands-free access to conversation, text messages or Twitter is going to fix that isn't clear. As long as eight years ago, the federal National Highway Transportation and Safety Administration recommended that drivers not use cell phones, even with hands-free equipment, as it's the mental distraction that is the issue.

"It's debatable whether this type of technology will help as it's likely to increase the distractions available to the driver," a representative from the Royal Auto Club (RAC — UK's version of AAA), told the Mirror. "Tweeting while driving is an unnecessary distraction and shouldn't be seen as an essential activity when behind the wheel."

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/38383297/ns/technology_and_science-tech_and_gadgets/

You know, if this thing were only going to endanger the life of the specific person using it, I'd say, "Go right ahead," as I'm a firm believer in herd-thinning.

[pokercat999]

1. The ultimate safety device. First remove all the

air bags,seat belts, 5 MPH bumpers, all the trash designed to "protect" the driver. Instead mount one large sword like blade, point toward the driver, coming from the center of the steering wheel. Guaranteed to cut "accidents" by as much as 99% on the first day!

[PJPhreak]

2. Or Mount the steering setup and drivers seat on the front bumper,

So the first point of contact in a crash is the driver.

[pokercat999]

5. Another outstanding idea.

[msongs]

3. or Ford cars let jerks drive while using twitter? nt

[eggplant]

4. Oh please.

Bad drivers aren't bad drivers because technology enabled them. I've seen plenty of morons out there during my commutes. I've seen:

- People eating
- People reading maps
- People reading newpapers
- People reading novels
- People smoking while also drinking coffee, while playing with the radio
- People wearing headphones
- Men shaving
- Women applying makeup
- People practically climbing into the back seat to deal with their whiny toddler
- People fishing who knows what from under their seat

It isn't the technology.

[Locrian]

6. it's not exclusive

>> Bad drivers aren't bad drivers because technology enabled them. I've seen plenty of morons out there during my commutes. I've seen:

Thats a good list, but it's not exclusive. Add to it:

- Cell phones
- Texting