It’s guest post day here at ICTwithCFA.com and today’s post is from Vince Tucker – Enjoy & Share!
As technology advances, people have more and more capabilities in their vehicles as well as in their homes. It’s easy to take for granted the many screens and switches that are now commonly available in cars. At the same time, having so many ways to work and play in our cars can be distracting and even dangerous. What are some of the benefits, risks and solutions associated with advanced technology in transportation?
Texting and Talking on the Phone
The first car phones appeared quite a few years ago, long before the advent of mobile phone technology. They were, however, mainly used by the wealthy and far from standard in any but the most luxurious vehicles. Now, people commonly use their cars as extensions of their offices. Even as laws against talking on cell phones and texting are passed, this continues to be a widespread practice.
The fact is, it’s very difficult to educate people about the dangers of texting or talking while driving. While common sense, as well as accident statistics, make it clear that this is a distraction, people have simply become so attached to their smartphones and other devices that it’s become very difficult to resist using them even when they should be paying attention to the road.
Touchscreens
Touchscreens are becoming popular in vehicles as well as in portable devices such as tablets and smartphones. The use of touchscreens is controversial, however. On the one hand, they provide you with an easy and convenient way to control functions from GPS to your car’s stereo system. On the other hand, the very convenience and pleasure people get from using them can provide a big distraction.
Nowhere is this issue more obvious than in the very large touchscreens found in Tesla cars. In these ultra-modern vehicles, the touchscreen serves as a web browser, entertainment center, navigation system and much more. This can be a mixed blessing. Some drivers appreciate the convenience of being able to control everything from one screen. Yet this touchscreen allows you to do so many different things that it is also potentially a distraction. It all depends on how you use it.
Navigation Systems
GPS is one technology that actually provides more benefits than drawbacks in a car. Many people can hardly imagine navigating without the aid of a GPS device. Many of today’s systems have voice activated features that allow you to navigate your way in an area without having to be constantly touching a screen. Perhaps the best known example of this is Siri that is used with iPhones. For Android users, the Motorola Moto X features hands-free voice activation and UI. These systems allow you to focus on driving while you get verbal directions to your destination.
Voice activated GPS is one way to use a smartphone or other device in a vehicle safely. Of course, you can also have GPS systems installed in your vehicle, which removes the need of having to using a phone at all, at least for navigation purposes.
Enjoying the Benefits of Technology While Not Driving
It can be hard to give up the fun and convenience of using smartphones, touchscreens and other technological advances in your vehicle. At the same time, these can be hazardous distractions. One solution is to let someone else do the driving, freeing you up to work, play or communicate as you want.
A reliable limo service can provide a comfortable vehicle that will give you the freedom to use your devices as much as you want. In addition to being safer, it allows you to concentrate fully on your work, helping you be more productive. Limousines or luxury vans are one of the safest and most comfortable ways to get around. They can help you enjoy the very latest technological innovations without having to worry about driving.
