Distracted Driving Dev Anticipates iPhone OS 4 Release

[CaryMacGuy]

Sounds exactly like an option Apple will build into a future iPhone. Reminiscent of the max volume control on iPods. Would be a great feature for SJ to tout on stage, something no other phone has "built in". Simple addition to the Settings panel, what is allowed/disallowed when traveling at driving speeds.

Nice idea izup, but I predict you'll be Soundjammed by !!

It would have to be locked by a passcode so some teen couldn't unlock the settings

 

[Doctor Q]

It would have to be locked by a passcode so some teen couldn't unlock the settings

Parents would forget the passcode they picked and ask their teen for help, and the teen would be glad to help since he/she had already figured out how to bypass the lockout!

 

[tigress666]

Um, wouldn't the people who use this app be the people who wouldn't need this app (the people who already don't want to use the cell when driving and choose not to)?

And the people who this app would be better used on would refuse to put it on their phone anyways (the people who don't think driving and talking on the phone is a problem. Unless you find a way of sneaking it on their phones I fail to see how you'd convince them to put this on their phone unless you could convince them not to use the phone while driving, which, voila, then you no longer need the program for).

I fail to see how this program is really useful for anyone unless you can force some one else to have it on their phone.

 

[CrAkD]

wow people need to relax. if your so worried about distracted drivers then put these rules on yourself or dont drive. this is the most ridiculous thing ive ever heard of.

 

[tigress666]

wow people need to relax. if your so worried about distracted drivers then put these rules on yourself or dont drive. this is the most ridiculous thing ive ever heard of.

That's kinda my point. The people who feel that driving while talking is dangerous don't need this program cause they won't do it anyways and don't need a program to keep them from doing it.

The people who would need this program don't believe that they need it and would not use it (they think the whole thing is silly). The only way to get them not to do it is to convince them it is bad and therefore they turn into the first people I'm talking about or force them some how (by law or by forcing this app on their phone and making it so they have to use it.. um, yeah, good luck on that).

So therefore I really don't see who would really use this program nevermind actually pay to use it.

 

[jabberjibber]

Maybe we should not be allowed to listen to the radio, talk to a passenger in our car, drink a bottled water, smoke ( if you do) touch your C.D.s or even breath for that fact while driving. The app is garbage.. playing it up to the commies... Gimme a break.

 

[tigress666]

Maybe we should not be allowed to listen to the radio, talk to a passenger in our car, drink a bottled water, smoke ( if you do) touch your C.D.s or even breath for that fact while driving. The app is garbage.. playing it up to the commies... Gimme a break.

I dunno, the guy I saw on the highway once smoking shouldn't have been allowed to do so.

Cause he decided a great thing to do was light his cigarette by holding hte lighter in one hand that also was holding a newspaper and the steering wheel, and leaning his face towards the lighter...

Driving is not free time that you should find ways to use that time other than focusing on, well, your driving!

 

[Veri]

Why is there a whitelist beyond 112/local emergency number? Seems a great thing for employers to be required to install when their employees are discovered by law enforcement using the 'phone for business while driving.

As for people who think they're the exception to the well-studied conclusion that 'phones are distracting: you're welcome to exercise your right to drive in the manner you think is safe on your own private road. Me, I care more about my life than I have faith in your assurance, so if you don't want to put your 'phone down, you can get off our roads.

 

[tigress666]

As for people who think they're the exception to the well-studied conclusion that 'phones are distracting: you're welcome to exercise your right to drive in the manner you think is safe on your own private road. Me, I care more about my life than I have faith in your assurance, so if you don't want to put your 'phone down, you can get off our roads.

+1

Honestly, I'm sure there are some people who can do it ok (and I bet they still drive better when they aren't on the phone). But problem is I've seen too many people on the phone who are so clueless they never even caught on that they were driving like an idiot. So in my experience, people don't realize how badly they are driving while they are talking on the phone (they don't even notice the near misses unless some one does something drastic to get their attention). So anyone's word that they can drive just fine while on the phone is quite suspect.

So, no, I don't trust some one when they say they can drive fine while talking on the phone. Problem is people who can't are so oblivious to their driving they don't even realize they aren't driving fine. So, not going to believe you unless I see it with my own eyes.

 

[mrbobbo]

Not bold enough

How about an app that drives the car: steering, brakes, accelerator, cruise control, camera. Then you never take your eyes OFF of the iphone. No calls, of course, but you'll be playing with your toy so you won't care.

 

[littlewaywelt]

Seriously? Hands-free phones do not provide any safety benefit? That means that talking with a person sitting right next to you while driving is exactly as dangerous as talking on the phone with someone through a phone that doesn't require you to do anything but talk.

So having more than 1 seat in a car is as dangerous as having a phone then, since it allows chatty people to sit in the car with you and distract you? Come on!

I don't see why hands-free doesn't provide any safety benefit: the problem with using a phone wile driving is that you can't shift gears since your right hand is holding the phone, and your left hand is holding the steering wheel, and one hand isn't enough to steer a car if you don't have assisted steering. But if you put the phone down, you can shift gears and steer properly, and you have no more problems. I'm sure the human brain is intelligent enough to be able to talk and drive at the same time, that's not the problem folks.

You may not see it, but there are several studies that show that it's true. It's not about a physical distraction, but a mental one. Having a conversation on a phone creates a psychological distraction. There is more of a disconnect, I suspect when you're talking over the phone than engaged in an actual person-to-person conversation. THe last study I saw equated the level of distraction to drunk drivers. The study's conclusion was not negated by any other study.

 

[Earendil]

You may not see it, but there are several studies that show that it's true. It's not about a physical distraction, but a mental one. Having a conversation on a phone creates a psychological distraction. There is more of a disconnect, I suspect when you're talking over the phone than engaged in an actual person-to-person conversation. THe last study I saw equated the level of distraction to drunk drivers. The study's conclusion was not negated by any other study.

But you are sidestepping his point, which is that hands-free DOES provide a benefit, and I'm inclined to agree.

Even if you are driving an automatic and have power steering, having two hands on the wheel is far Superior to one. You can not, with one hand, turn equally well in both directions, with the same precision and control. There is a reason that race car drivers use both hands

Actually, more than that, go watch an in car video of a race car driver (Either track or rally, as long as they have a stick) and watch them not spend any more time shifting than they have to. They never rest their hand on the gear shifter. It's a real quick release of the wheel, shift, and bam! back to the wheel.

 

[littlewaywelt]

But you are sidestepping his point, which is that hands-free DOES provide a benefit, and I'm inclined to agree.

Even if you are driving an automatic and have power steering, having two hands on the wheel is far Superior to one. You can not, with one hand, turn equally well in both directions, with the same precision and control. There is a reason that race car drivers use both hands

Actually, more than that, go watch an in car video of a race car driver (Either track or rally, as long as they have a stick) and watch them not spend any more time shifting than they have to. They never rest their hand on the gear shifter. It's a real quick release of the wheel, shift, and bam! back to the wheel.

I've spent time in SCCA cars and been through several skip barber classes and had track time at lime rock and at summit point; I understand keeping the hands on the wheel. Having a conversation is the distraction with the phone. That distraction is, imho, only slight improved by the loss of the physical distraction of holding a phone. There is a disconnect that's not there when you are speaking to someone in person. Most of the studies acknowledge that it's not about "holding a phone." Even AAA does, if my memory serves correct.

Everyone thinks that they can talk on the phone and it doesn't affect their (or others') safety. Everyone seems to think they're much better drivers and are more acutely aware than they are; they aren't. Most ppl's situational awareness stinks. Add a cellphone and you risk other people's well being.

Unless you're an on call neurosurgeon, or work at the White House or CIA, you're not that important and neither is what you have to discuss. Pull over or wait to make the call.

 

[Earendil]

I've spent time in SCCA cars and been through several skip barber classes and had track time at lime rock and at summit point; I understand keeping the hands on the wheel. Having a conversation is the distraction with the phone. That distraction is, imho, only slight improved by the loss of the physical distraction of holding a phone. There is a disconnect that's not there when you are speaking to someone in person. Most of the studies acknowledge that it's not about "holding a phone." Even AAA does, if my memory serves correct.

Everyone thinks that they can talk on the phone and it doesn't affect their (or others') safety. Everyone seems to think they're much better drivers and are more acutely aware than they are; they aren't. Most ppl's situational awareness stinks. Add a cellphone and you risk other people's well being.

Unless you're an on call neurosurgeon, or work at the White House or CIA, you're not that important and neither is what you have to discuss. Pull over or wait to make the call.

So what you're saying is that you, I, and the first fellow you replied to are all in agreement

No one disputes that it's safer to have both hands on the wheel, regardless of conversation, than it is to be distracted AND unable to control your car effectively.

It is not unlike drinking and driving, either with a beer in your hand or with a camel-pack. Neither is safe, but one is safer