Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Study says voice-to-text no safer than regular texting]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/26/voice-to-text-no-safer-than-regular-texting/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/26/voice-to-text-no-safer-than-regular-texting/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/26/voice-to-text-no-safer-than-regular-texting/#commentsFiled under: ,



So much for all those systems that allow you to convert your voice to text messages. Reuters reports that a new study by the Texas Transportation Institute at Texas A&M has found the technology to be no safer to use while driving than employing a traditional handheld device. The study found that drivers took around twice as long to react to situations on the road as they did while they weren't texting and that eye contact with the road decreased as well.

The study used 43 participants who were tasked with driving around a test course, first without any electronic devices and then with a voice-to-text system. Interestingly enough, using the speech-to-text device actually took longer than simply typing out a message on a phone. Despite this fact, the drivers said they felt safer while using the hands-free option. Researchers said that this response could lead drivers to attempt to text even when it isn't safe to do so.

Study says voice-to-text no safer than regular texting originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 26 Apr 2013 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>researchstudytext messagingtextingvoice to textFri, 26 Apr 2013 11:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20549003/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/26/voice-to-text-no-safer-than-regular-texting/20549003/article-detail.xml 20549003 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/texting-while-driving-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/texting-while-driving-628.jpg <![CDATA[NHTSA releases voluntary guidelines to combat distracted driving]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/25/nhtsa-voluntary-guidelines-distracted-driving/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/25/nhtsa-voluntary-guidelines-distracted-driving/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/25/nhtsa-voluntary-guidelines-distracted-driving/#commentsFiled under: , ,



In its continuing battle against distracted driving, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has issued voluntary guidelines covering the use of in-car infotainment and communication devices. It is NHTSA's intention that the proposals, which have been in the works for a year and are partly based on a 2010 study called "Impact of Hand-Held and Hands-Free Cell Phone Use on Driving Performance and Safety Critical Event Risk," will be phased in over the next three years. That would give automakers time to reconfigure their systems to comply.

Proposed items include disabling manual text entry, video-based entertainment and video phone calls and prohibiting the display of text messages, social media or web pages while the car is in motion or in gear. The objective is to keep the driver's eyes off the road for no more than two seconds at a time, and 12 seconds in total. That 12-second limit would be achieved by only allowing a driver six inputs or touches of the screen within a dozen seconds, but it would include activities beyond phone calls and nav inputs, like changing the radio station or using the climate control. At the moment, the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers has a self-imposed limit of 20 seconds, although we're not sure how that's enforced by the infotainment system.
Calling distracted driving "a deadly epidemic," NHTSA says that it is trying to "balance the innovation consumers want with the safety we all need." The study showed that activities like using hand-held phones potentially tripled the risk of a crash and texting doubled the risk of a crash or near-crash. Distracted drivers accounted for about a third of all accident fatalities in 2011, a rise over 2010, but injuries are down, as are the number of crashes related to phone use.

According to a report in Automotive News, when the proposals are fully implemented, NHTSA is also considering adding them the the New Car Assessment Program, which would encourage automakers to comply if they want a five-star safety rating.

Continue reading NHTSA releases voluntary guidelines to combat distracted driving

NHTSA releases voluntary guidelines to combat distracted driving originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 25 Apr 2013 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alliance of automobile manufacturersdistracted drivingnational highway traffic safety administrationnhtsaray lahoodtextingtexting while drivingus dotThu, 25 Apr 2013 17:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20548713/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/25/nhtsa-voluntary-guidelines-distracted-driving/20548713/article-detail.xml 20548713 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/distracted-driving_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/distracted-driving.jpg <![CDATA[Last Words: Family releases image of dead son's final text before deadly crash]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/12/last-words-family-releases-image-of-dead-sons-final-text-befor/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/12/last-words-family-releases-image-of-dead-sons-final-text-befor/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/12/last-words-family-releases-image-of-dead-sons-final-text-befor/#commentsFiled under: ,



On April 3, University of Northern Colorado student Alexander Heit lost control of his car while sending a text on his iPhone. The loss of control caused the car to roll over, and the 22-year-old died a short time after being transported by ambulance to a local hospital.

Greeley, CO Police officers on the scene of the accident discovered Heit's cell phone in his car. The text message conversation that he had been engaged in when he slipped control was still visible on the screen; an unfinished and rather mundane message still not quite completed in the send box.

Heit's family and the Greeley PD have published the photos and Alex's story, in the hopes that it will add a bit more seriousness to the danger associated with texting and driving, and thereby prevent similar accidents in the future.

Said Sharon Heit, Andrew's mother:

"I can't bear the thought of anyone else having to go through something like this. Please, vow to never, NEVER text and drive. In a split second you could ruin your future, injure or kill others, and tear a hole in the heart of everyone who loves you. And in honor of Alex's memory, please do something kind for a stranger who needs help, as Alex always wished for a world were people were kinder to each other."

Last Words: Family releases image of dead son's final text before deadly crash originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 12 Apr 2013 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>andrew heitdistracted drivinggreeley coloradogreeley police departmenttextingtexting while drivinguniversity of northern coloradoFri, 12 Apr 2013 13:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20538575/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/12/last-words-family-releases-image-of-dead-sons-final-text-befor/20538575/article-detail.xml 20538575 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/cell-phone-1365769513_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/cell-phone-1365769513.jpg <![CDATA[Many more people surfing the web while behind the wheel]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/27/many-more-people-surfing-the-web-while-behind-the-wheel/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/27/many-more-people-surfing-the-web-while-behind-the-wheel/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/27/many-more-people-surfing-the-web-while-behind-the-wheel/#commentsFiled under: , ,



If you think texting while driving is dangerous, then you may be shocked to learn that many people do more than just text while driving, they actually browse the web while behind the wheel, and the number of people who do it is on the rise.

A USA Today report cites a study that recently polled nearly 4,000 drivers from the age of 18 and older. The study discovered an alarming amount of people surfing the web while driving, which is known as "webbing." Among drivers 18-to-29-years old, 48 percent admitted to this practice in 2012, up from 29 percent in 2009.

The trend stems largely from the proliferation and combination of smartphones and social media, even in older age groups. The practice of "webbing" outside of the 18-29 demographic increased from 13 percent in 2009 to 21 percent in 2012.

With the popularity of GPS-enabled smartphones, time spent surfing the web while operating a motor vehicle could also be attributed to using a phone's navigation app or researching local businesses while on a trip. Regardless of its purpose, this dangerous practice will likely start getting the same sort of attention from safety groups that texting while driving receives now.

Many more people surfing the web while behind the wheel originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 27 Nov 2012 11:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>distracted drivingsurfing internet while drivingtextingtexting while drivingusa todaywebbingTue, 27 Nov 2012 11:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20385864/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/11/27/many-more-people-surfing-the-web-while-behind-the-wheel/20385864/article-detail.xml 20385864 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/molly-mcfarland-texting-driving-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/molly-mcfarland-texting-driving-628.jpg <![CDATA[Transportation Dept. gives $550k to study texting-ban enforcement]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/23/transportation-dept-gives-550k-to-study-texting-ban-enforcemen/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/23/transportation-dept-gives-550k-to-study-texting-ban-enforcemen/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/23/transportation-dept-gives-550k-to-study-texting-ban-enforcemen/#commentsFiled under: , ,

distracted driver

So far, 39 states have some form of law against texting while driving, but it is a hard thing to enforce. Many drivers continue to text on the road, confident that the local smokies won't spot their sins.

That time might be over for Massachusetts and Connecticut, as the National highway Traffic Safety Administration has awarded $550,000 in order to develop methods to better spot texters in the act. Each state will receive $275,000 to conduct "high visibility anti-texting enforcement programs."

According to U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood, "We have come a long way in our fight against distracted driving, but there is still much more work to be done." He continued, "Texting behind the wheel is especially dangerous, which is why we're working with states like Connecticut and Massachusetts to address this important safety issue."

While laws are in effect across the country, it is more difficult to detect texting than it is a driver placing a call on a cell phone. This initiative from NHTSA would develop techniques, such as spotters on overpasses and roving patrols, to determine the effectiveness of these practices. The program will be conducted over a two-year period, and the results will be made available to other states that are encountering texting and driving issues. Read more in the press release below.

Continue reading Transportation Dept. gives $550k to study texting-ban enforcement

Transportation Dept. gives $550k to study texting-ban enforcement originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 23 Oct 2012 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>connecticutdistracted drivingmassachusettsray lahoodtextingtexting while drivingTue, 23 Oct 2012 09:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20355523/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/10/23/transportation-dept-gives-550k-to-study-texting-ban-enforcemen/20355523/article-detail.xml 20355523 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/texting-driving_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/texting-driving.jpg <![CDATA[Designated texter becoming popular with teens [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/01/designated-texter-becoming-popular-with-teens-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/01/designated-texter-becoming-popular-with-teens-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/01/designated-texter-becoming-popular-with-teens-w-video/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Girl texting

We're all familiar with the designated driver concept. Most everyone with a drivers license has either been one or needed one. But now, the designated texter is a new idea being promoted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to target texting drivers.

A recent study by State Farm Insurance and Harris Interactive says more teens are taking the initiative and volunteering to text for everyone.

A new video from NHTSA called "Stairs" has the tagline, "Not everyone should should text and walk. No one should text and drive." To illustrate, a texting teen attempts to ascend a set of stairs. She falls face-first, her phone landing at her feet. In the next scene, another teen at the wheel of her SUV gets totally distracted by a text on her phone and looks up just in time to see the pedestrians about to be plowed under her front bumper.

Having a designated texter is a pretty clever idea for those that can't wait. We're just concerned about what happens when an inebriated non-driver becomes the designated texter for the designated driver. Wackiness is sure to ensue.

Check out the NHTSA video below.

Continue reading Designated texter becoming popular with teens [w/video]

Designated texter becoming popular with teens [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 01 Sep 2012 14:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>designated driverdesignated texterdesignated textingdistracted drivingnational highway traffic safety administrationnhtsatextingtxtingvideoSat, 01 Sep 2012 14:02:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20310923/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/09/01/designated-texter-becoming-popular-with-teens-w-video/20310923/article-detail.xml 20310923 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/girltextingjhaymesisviphotography_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/girltextingjhaymesisviphotography.jpg <![CDATA[College student drives off cliff while texting prophetic message]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/03/college-student-drives-off-cliff-while-texting-prophetic-message/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/03/college-student-drives-off-cliff-while-texting-prophetic-message/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/03/college-student-drives-off-cliff-while-texting-prophetic-message/#commentsFiled under: ,



Texting while driving is a horrible, horrible idea. This is not news. And as unfortunate as this story may be, we have to admit, it's a little ironic.

Chance Bothe, a 21-year-old college student from Texas, drove his pickup truck off of a bridge, over a cliff and down into a deep ravine. But the last text he sent before the accident occurred is where the bit of irony - and nearly tragic foreshadowing - comes into focus.

"I need to quit texting because I could die in a car accident."

Thankfully, Bothe did not die as a result of this crash, though he suffered a broken neck, crushed face, fractured skull and traumatic brain injuries. After six months of recovery and rehab, Bothe is about 80-percent back to normal.

Scroll down to watch a video detailing the story, in which Bothe talks to KHOU-TV on his last day of rehab.

Continue reading College student drives off cliff while texting prophetic message

College student drives off cliff while texting prophetic message originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 Aug 2012 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chance bothecrashdistracted drivingtextingtexting while drivingvideoFri, 03 Aug 2012 16:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20293144/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/08/03/college-student-drives-off-cliff-while-texting-prophetic-message/20293144/article-detail.xml 20293144 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/textingvideo_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/textingvideo.jpg <![CDATA[Honda reveals new cloud-based infotainment system [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/18/honda-reveals-new-cloud-based-infotainment-system-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/18/honda-reveals-new-cloud-based-infotainment-system-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/18/honda-reveals-new-cloud-based-infotainment-system-w-video/#commentsFiled under: , ,

HondaLink

Honda let the cat officially out of the bag today, revealing details about its new HondaLink infotainment system that will be featured in the new 2013 Accord. The new midsize sedan doesn't launch until the fall, but the Japanese automaker is clearly eager to start building momentum for its long-awaited new model by addressing one of the company's long-running deficiencies: connectivity.

HondaLink will feature Aha Radio, a cloud-based digital content service that uses the driver's smart phone data connection for streaming through the vehicle's audio system. The interface uses a radio station model, with users creating content presets. Besides music, news, podcasts and other traditional audio content, Aha will allow drivers to listen to Facebook and Twitter feeds.

While the video Honda released today plays more like a commercial than a tutorial, we're looking forward to getting our hands on the system. The big question is whether it can vault Honda to the front of the mainstream infotainment pack, or merely put them where Ford was three years ago.

Scroll down to watch the video and read the full press release.

Continue reading Honda reveals new cloud-based infotainment system [w/video]

Honda reveals new cloud-based infotainment system [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 18 Jul 2012 17:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ahaaha radiodistracted drivingfacebookharmanhondahondalinkin car entertainmentinfotainmenttextingtwitterWed, 18 Jul 2012 17:45:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20281103/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/07/18/honda-reveals-new-cloud-based-infotainment-system-w-video/20281103/article-detail.xml 20281103 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/hondalinkscreen-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/hondalinkscreen-628.jpg <![CDATA[Texting Mass teen found guilty of vehicular homicide [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/07/texting-mass-teen-found-guilty-of-vehicular-homicide-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/07/texting-mass-teen-found-guilty-of-vehicular-homicide-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/07/texting-mass-teen-found-guilty-of-vehicular-homicide-w-video/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Texting while driving court ruling video

If for some reason you still don't think that texting while driving is a bad idea, here's a story for you. Aaron Deveau, age 17, was allegedly composing a text message when his car crossed the center line of a Massachusetts street, hitting a car head-on. In that car was Daniel Bowley, Jr. and his girlfriend, Luz Roman. Bowley Jr. suffered massive injuries in the crash, and after spending 18 days in a Boston hospital, died as a result of the injuries.

According to Boston.com, a Haverhill, Massachusetts judge sentenced Deveau to "concurrent sentences of two and a half years on a charge of motor vehicle homicide and two years for a charge of negligent operation of a motor vehicle causing serious injury while texting" earlier this week.

After noting Deveau's age and lack of any criminal record, the judge later ordered the 17-year-old to serve one year in the Essex County House of Corrections, suspending the other sentences. Deveau was originally arrested in 2011, following the crash that took place in February of that year.

"If I could take it back, I would take it back. I just want to apologize to the family," Deveau stated during the trial. During his testimony, Deveau reportedly claimed that he was not texting during the time of the crash and could not recall texting while driving.

Luz Roman (pictured above), who survived the crash, spoke out during the hearings, and spoke to Boston.com after the sentencing, which you can see in the video below. "This has been giving me a lot of pain, there are no words to describe," Roman told Boston.com. Scroll down for the rest of her commentary, as well as some thoughts from Bowley's son.

Continue reading Texting Mass teen found guilty of vehicular homicide [w/video]

Texting Mass teen found guilty of vehicular homicide [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 07 Jun 2012 14:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aaron deveaumassachusettssafetytextingtexting while drivingvideoThu, 07 Jun 2012 14:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20253880/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/06/07/texting-mass-teen-found-guilty-of-vehicular-homicide-w-video/20253880/article-detail.xml 20253880 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/textingvid628opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/textingvid628opt.jpg <![CDATA[Woman sued for sending text message to driver who crashed]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/09/woman-sued-for-sending-text-message-to-driver-who-crashed/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/09/woman-sued-for-sending-text-message-to-driver-who-crashed/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/09/woman-sued-for-sending-text-message-to-driver-who-crashed/#commentsFiled under: ,

Texting

Hiring a lawyer is like hiring a hitman. Except it's not against the law. A lawyer's job is to exert your will on your legal opponent - and on the legal system itself. So it should come as no surprise to see this evolution of distracted driving case law: The victims of a traffic accident have filed a lawsuit against both the motorist and the woman he was texting with when he caused the crash, according to the Huffington Post.

Let's just state for the record that we have no horse in this race, which is not unlike any other personal injury suit in which the plaintiff's attorney rounds up anyone and everyone that might be named as a defendant. The difference here, however, is that this is the first time we're aware of someone being accused of being an accomplice to the breaking of distracted driving laws and causing a crash without even being in the car.

The driver, Kyle Best, a 19-year-old at the time of the accident, has already pled guilty to three violations of New Jersey law, including using a mobile phone while driving, careless driving, and leaving his lane, according to the report. Best hit a couple on a motorcycle with his pickup truck, resulting in both the man and woman losing their left legs. At the time, Best was exchanging text messages with Shannon Colonna, according to phone records.

The couple's lawyer is arguing that Colonna knew she was texting Best while he was driving, and that her behavior is no different than if she had been having a conversation with him in the car, according to the report. Her attorney, however, maintains that she can't be liable for the driver's decision to read the text when it was not safe to do so and that she did not realize the dangers of texting while driving. The judge in the case is expected to decide whether Colonna can be included in the suit on May 25, according to the report.

Certainly this case is a complicated one, and could have broad ramifications on distracted driving lawsuits as well as further legislation on the issue. If the plaintiffs' attorney is successful in bringing the texting woman into the suit, we can certainly expect that lawyers in other states which have texting bans will follow their lead.

Woman sued for sending text message to driver who crashed originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 May 2012 18:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>distracted drivingkyle bestlawsuitlawyersnew jerseyshannon colonnatextingtexting while drivingWed, 09 May 2012 18:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20234956/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/09/woman-sued-for-sending-text-message-to-driver-who-crashed/20234956/article-detail.xml 20234956 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/texting_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/texting.jpg <![CDATA[Young drivers know distracted driving is dangerous, do it anyway]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/08/young-drivers-know-distracted-driving-is-dangerous-do-it-anyway/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/08/young-drivers-know-distracted-driving-is-dangerous-do-it-anyway/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/08/young-drivers-know-distracted-driving-is-dangerous-do-it-anyway/#commentsFiled under:

Teenage girl driving

Distracted driving has joined smoking, drinking, drug use, and unprotected sex on the list of behaviors that teens know are risky but engage in nonetheless.

According to a national survey by Consumer Reports, half of all teens surveyed had used a handheld phone while driving in the past 30 days, while 30 percent copped to texting. Eight percent said they operated a smart phone app and seven percent used email or social media while driving. But how many considered this behavior a bad idea? Fully 63 percent said talking on the phone could be considered "dangerous," while almost all of them thought the others qualified, with about 80 percent agreeing to adding the word "very" to that description, according to CR.

We've already seen clever public service announcements attempting to curb this behavior, and CR's survey says the publicity is working. Over 60 percent of respondents said they were influenced to stop or reduce phone use while driving by reading or hearing about the problem, while only 40 percent responded to legal bans. And of course, family members laying down the law fared the worst, at only 30 percent saying that caused them to knock it off and put the phone down when behind the wheel.

Unsurprisingly, CR found that positive peer pressure could help curb the behavior, as almost 50 percent said they were less likely to talk on the a handheld cell phone or text if they had a buddy in the car. The magazine inferred that this could have to do with the half of respondents who said they had asked someone to stop using their phone while they were a passenger.

Of course, this problem with talking and texting while driving isn't restricted to teenagers. Just like kids growing up in the 1980s learned to do drugs by watching their parents, the youth of today are witnessing mom and dad engaging in distracted driving. CR says 48 percent of young drivers said they'd seen a parent talking on the phone while driving and 15 percent caught one texting.

This got us thinking: Maybe it's time to reboot our favorite PSA of all time. Scroll down to watch.

Continue reading Young drivers know distracted driving is dangerous, do it anyway

Young drivers know distracted driving is dangerous, do it anyway originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 08 May 2012 17:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>consumer reportsdistracted drivingi learned it from yousafetyteen driverstextingTexting while drivingTue, 08 May 2012 17:28:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20233972/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/08/young-drivers-know-distracted-driving-is-dangerous-do-it-anyway/20233972/article-detail.xml 20233972 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/teen-girl-driving_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/teen-girl-driving.jpg <![CDATA[This is how to teach teens the perils of distracted driving]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/30/this-is-how-to-teach-teens-the-perils-of-distracted-driving/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/30/this-is-how-to-teach-teens-the-perils-of-distracted-driving/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/30/this-is-how-to-teach-teens-the-perils-of-distracted-driving/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



A European group called Responsible Young Drivers wanted to showcase the dangers of texting while driving, and got ad agency Publicis to help them out. The result: a two-minute spot that put trainee drivers in Belgium with an instructor who said part of their driving test would be to avoid an obstacle while texting a random sentence that he'd dictate.

Since nothing beyond a cone or two was hurt in the making of this video, we'll admit we laughed. That said, the message is clear.

Scroll down to see it for yourself. And FYI, a driver training instructor in Belgium doesn't need to wear a seat belt on a closed course... though maybe it wouldn't be such a bad idea.

Continue reading This is how to teach teens the perils of distracted driving

This is how to teach teens the perils of distracted driving originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 30 Apr 2012 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adadvertisementbelgiumdistracted drivingdriving schoolpsaresponsible young driversrydsafetytextingtexting while drivingyoutubeMon, 30 Apr 2012 20:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20227568/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/04/30/this-is-how-to-teach-teens-the-perils-of-distracted-driving/20227568/article-detail.xml 20227568 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/belgiantextschool_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/belgiantextschool.jpg <![CDATA[NTSB wants to ban mobile phone and electronics use in cars across the country [UPDATE]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/13/ntsb-wants-to-ban-mobile-phone-use-in-cars-across-the-country/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/13/ntsb-wants-to-ban-mobile-phone-use-in-cars-across-the-country/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/13/ntsb-wants-to-ban-mobile-phone-use-in-cars-across-the-country/#commentsFiled under: ,



In August of last year, a 19-year-old pickup driver received 11 texts in as many minutes while traveling down a Missouri highway outside Gray Summit. The truck rear-ended a stopped tractor trailer at speed, which was then struck by not one, but two school buses, resulting in a massive, multi-car pileup that left 38 people injured and two dead - including the serial texter and a 15-year-old student riding in one of the buses.

The crash made national news and gained even more press after the driver's phone records were released. Today, the National Transportation Safety Board is recommending a nationwide ban on using a mobile phone while driving.

The key word there is "recommending." The NTSB doesn't have the power to enact legislation; it can only persuade lawmakers to pass a bill making it illegal for the driver to operate a mobile phone unless it's an emergency. But the NTSB is taking it a step further. The government group doesn't want drivers to use any electronic or Internet-connected device in the car, and that could include some of the newest 'Net-enabled infotainment systems embedded into vehicles. Further, the proposed ban means even using a Bluetooth headset to take calls could be illegal.

Currently, mobile phone bans are enacted by states, with nine states and the District of Columbia prohibiting their use while behind the wheel, and 35 states banning texting while driving. Those figures doesn't include the other states that ban novice or bus drivers from using a mobile phone while driving.

The NTSB's hearing was held earlier today, but the official text of the recommendation has yet to be released. We'll update this post accordingly when the NTSB offers us more than its initial findings and a tweet.

UPDATE: The text of the NTSB's recommendation is available after the jump, and as suspected, it's a sweeping suggestion for all States and the District of Columbia to not only ban mobile phone use, but any electronic device while driving.

Continue reading NTSB wants to ban mobile phone and electronics use in cars across the country [UPDATE]

NTSB wants to ban mobile phone and electronics use in cars across the country [UPDATE] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 13 Dec 2011 14:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingcell phone bancell phone usedistracted drivingmobile phone banNational Transportation Safety Boardntsbtextingtexting while drivingTue, 13 Dec 2011 14:27:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20127117/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/12/13/ntsb-wants-to-ban-mobile-phone-use-in-cars-across-the-country/20127117/article-detail.xml 20127117 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/was3311348-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/was3311348-628.jpg <![CDATA[IFA 2011: Nuance dictation beta is in-car voice-to-text done right]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/07/ifa-2011-nuance-dictation-beta-is-in-car-voice-to-text-done-rig/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/07/ifa-2011-nuance-dictation-beta-is-in-car-voice-to-text-done-rig/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/07/ifa-2011-nuance-dictation-beta-is-in-car-voice-to-text-done-rig/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Nuance

If your vehicle or smartphone has voice-to-text functionality, there's a good chance Nuance is working behind the scenes. If you haven't checked out the company's iPhone or Android app, it's worth the download just to get a feel for the technology, and the company's next implementation is set to arrive in vehicles next year.

At this week's IFA show in Berlin, Germany (think: CES of Europe), Nuance is showing off a new prototype application that not only allows you to dictate SMS or email messages, it lets you edit and replace individual words using a rotary knob.

The biggest issue with voice-to-text technology in day-to-day use is misinterpretation and typos, and while Nuance's system is good right out of the box, the ability to have messages read aloud and then scroll through each individual word to edit the text takes this new system above and beyond what's currently on offer.

We had a chance to sample the demo setup, and it works amazingly well. Even in a crowded room, the system translated a naturally spoken sentence with ease. When the time came to change "meet for coffee" to "meet for dinner," we were able to edit it on the fly with a minimum of distraction. Check out Nuance's demo after the jump and expect to see the tech fitted to at least three or four new vehicles in 2012.

Continue reading IFA 2011: Nuance dictation beta is in-car voice-to-text done right

IFA 2011: Nuance dictation beta is in-car voice-to-text done right originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 07 Sep 2011 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ifaifa 2011nuancespeech-to-texttelematicstextingvoice-to-textWed, 07 Sep 2011 14:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20035958/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/09/07/ifa-2011-nuance-dictation-beta-is-in-car-voice-to-text-done-rig/20035958/article-detail.xml 20035958 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/nuance-ifa-630op_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/nuance-ifa-630op.jpg <![CDATA[Hackers prove they can break into Subaru Outback via texting]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/05/hackers-prove-they-can-break-into-subaru-outback-via-texting/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/05/hackers-prove-they-can-break-into-subaru-outback-via-texting/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/05/hackers-prove-they-can-break-into-subaru-outback-via-texting/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

subaru outback

Texting and driving is a dangerous practice, we can all agree on that. But would you be surprised to learn that texting might cause you trouble even when your vehicle is locked up tight? As more and more daily items tap into the Matrix, we're exposing more products to those crafty enough to have taken the red pill that is a complete understanding of computer science.

The Black Hat organization gathers industry professionals for events that focus on technical security, and hosts meetings around the world. A recent event in Las Vegas brought out a few folks from iSec Partners, who demonstrated that they could unlock and start a Subaru Outback using their Android phone. By setting up their own GSM network, the pair from iSec grabbed authentication passwords by way of text messages. This gained them entry to the vehicle, and also allowed them to fire up the engine.

This security issue isn't a flaw related solely to the Outback either, as the duo from iSec explained how they could gain control over any device that is accessible via similar networks. Excuse us while we go wrap everything we own in tinfoil, including our heads.

Hackers prove they can break into Subaru Outback via texting originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 05 Aug 2011 15:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>black hatblack hat conferenceblack hat textingblackhatisec partnersoutbacksubarusubaru outbacktextingunlock via textingFri, 05 Aug 2011 15:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20010543/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/08/05/hackers-prove-they-can-break-into-subaru-outback-via-texting/20010543/article-detail.xml 20010543 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/08/outback-text_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/08/outback-text.jpg <![CDATA[BMW gets in on the anti-distracted driving crusade [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/02/bmw-gets-in-on-the-anti-distracted-driving-crusade-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/02/bmw-gets-in-on-the-anti-distracted-driving-crusade-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/02/bmw-gets-in-on-the-anti-distracted-driving-crusade-w-video/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

BMW distracted driving ad
BMW fights texting while driving - Click above to watch video after the jump

BMW has unveiled a new campaign to help combat distracted driving. The German automaker is specifically focusing its efforts on curtailing texting while driving with a summer advertising campaign that kicks off this month and runs through the rest of the year. The company has worked up a few video spots that position images of over-protective parents against those who mindlessly text while driving. In addition to the commercials, BMW plans to run clever print ads that feature views from a distracted driver's position behind the wheel.

Finally, the carmaker will use ads to display large, bold lettering that spells out "Text messaging is very distracting" across participating web sites. The idea is that the jumping message will be infuriating enough to get the idea across.

U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood has commended BMW for its efforts, and says that he hopes other automakers will follow the Roundel's lead in the near future. Hit the jump to check out the first video spot and to take a peek at the full press release.

Continue reading BMW gets in on the anti-distracted driving crusade [w/video]

BMW gets in on the anti-distracted driving crusade [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Jun 2011 19:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BMWbmw distracted drivingbmw texting while drivingdistracted drivingtextingtexting while drivingThu, 02 Jun 2011 19:25:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19956313/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/06/02/bmw-gets-in-on-the-anti-distracted-driving-crusade-w-video/19956313/article-detail.xml 19956313 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/bmw-distracted0driving_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/bmw-distracted0driving.jpg <![CDATA[Opinion: If distracted driving is such an epidemic, why don't statistics show it?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/07/opinion-if-distracted-driving-is-such-an-epidemic-why-dont-st/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/07/opinion-if-distracted-driving-is-such-an-epidemic-why-dont-st/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/07/opinion-if-distracted-driving-is-such-an-epidemic-why-dont-st/#commentsFiled under:

Declining Highway Death Rate Challenges Distracted Driving Fears

Distracted driving

The distracted driving debate is being marred by an overdose of hype and hysteria.
My weekend nearly got off to a disastrous start when a driver, busy texting, suddenly realized he was going to miss his exit. At the last possible moment, he slammed his brakes and surged across four lanes of traffic, avoiding the need to go a few miles out of the way - but nearly touching off a multi-car accident in the process.

We've all seen the texters, the women putting on makeup, the guys checking their sports scores. Heck, a woman in Florida recently crashed while giving herself a bikini shave. But are we experiencing, as Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood puts it, "a deadly epidemic" of distracted driving - one that can only be addressed by the most draconian of new laws?

There's no question that there are some things you just shouldn't be doing behind the wheel, and few would argue against the laws that many states have passed prohibiting motorists from texting while driving. But what other steps are needed? The latest federal data on highway fatalities suggests we've probably gone far enough - and that the distracted driving debate is being marred by an overdose of hype and hysteria.

Continue reading...

Paul EisensteinPaul A. Eisenstein is Publisher of TheDetroitBureau.com, and a 30-year veteran of the automotive beat. His editorials bring his unique perspective and deep understanding of the auto world to Autoblog readers on a regular basis.

[Image: Corbis]

Continue reading Opinion: If distracted driving is such an epidemic, why don't statistics show it?

Opinion: If distracted driving is such an epidemic, why don't statistics show it? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 07 Apr 2011 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aaaauto safetydeath ratedistracted drivingpaul eisensteinray lahoodsafe drivingtelematicstextingtexting while drivingThu, 07 Apr 2011 19:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19905307/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/04/07/opinion-if-distracted-driving-is-such-an-epidemic-why-dont-st/19905307/article-detail.xml 19905307 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/12/distracted-driving_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/12/distracted-driving.jpg <![CDATA[Video: AAA tests texting drivers on closed course]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/02/01/video-aaa-tests-texting-drivers-on-closed-course/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/02/01/video-aaa-tests-texting-drivers-on-closed-course/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/02/01/video-aaa-tests-texting-drivers-on-closed-course/#commentsFiled under:

aaa texting and driving video
Distracted driving kills... cones - Click above to watch the video after the jump

Distracted driving has become a big problem on our nation's roadways, and text messaging while behind the wheel has been targeted as one of the biggest issues. Ray LaHood and the Department of Transportation has made this issue a top safety priority, even writing an op-ed on Autoblog to spread the word.

AAA is is following in LaHood's footsteps, using YouTube to spread awareness that our growing fascination with our phones shouldn't mix with driving time. The post-jump video demonstrates how poorly drivers handled a not-so-tricky cone course in a Nissan Altima while texting and driving.

Those poor, poor orange cones... they never stood a chance.

Hit the jump to watch for yourself, and if you have any young drivers in the house, you may want to have them watch along.

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading Video: AAA tests texting drivers on closed course

Video: AAA tests texting drivers on closed course originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 01 Feb 2011 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aaadistracted drivingtextingtexting and drivingtexting while drivingTue, 01 Feb 2011 09:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19822845/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/02/01/video-aaa-tests-texting-drivers-on-closed-course/19822845/article-detail.xml 19822845 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/01/aaa-texting-driving_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/01/aaa-texting-driving.jpg <![CDATA[Video: Glee star Jane Lynch teaches text-ed]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/01/06/video-glee-star-jane-lynch-teaches-text-ed/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/01/06/video-glee-star-jane-lynch-teaches-text-ed/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/01/06/video-glee-star-jane-lynch-teaches-text-ed/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Jane Lynch Text Ed
Jane Lynch teaches Text Ed - Click above to watch video after the jump

By now, we should all pretty much have a handle on how dangerous it is to text while driving. Thanks to Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood's efforts against distracted driving, the word is slowly getting out that using a handheld device while behind the wheel can be as dangerous as driving while under the influence. Now, LG is out to do its part with a series of videos helmed by none other than Glee super villain Jane Lynch. Lynch has already been working with the phone manufacturer in a series of Text-Ed videos that cover everything from sexting to mobile harassment.

In the latest clip, Lynch plays someone serving community service for being busted for texting while driving. As part of her penance, Lynch is forced to lead a group of parents in a talk on the dangers of her actions.

While the clip is plenty funny, the truth is that LG has discovered that around 70 percent of teens say that they've been in a vehicle while their parents were texting while driving. Additionally, 44 percent of parents admitted to doing the deed. Hit the jump for a look at the video as well as the press release. Oh, and here's that link she tells you to check out.


Gallery: Jane Lynch LG Text-Ed



[Source: LG]

Continue reading Video: Glee star Jane Lynch teaches text-ed

Video: Glee star Jane Lynch teaches text-ed originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 06 Jan 2011 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>distracted drivingjane lynchjane lynch text edLGtext-edTextingTexting while drivingvideoThu, 06 Jan 2011 17:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19789856/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/01/06/video-glee-star-jane-lynch-teaches-text-ed/19789856/article-detail.xml 19789856 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/01/01-jane-lynch-630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/01/01-jane-lynch-630.jpg <![CDATA[Video: AT&T tugs at heart strings with distracted driving documentary]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/12/29/video-atandt-tugs-at-heart-strings-with-distracted-driving-docume/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/12/29/video-atandt-tugs-at-heart-strings-with-distracted-driving-docume/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/12/29/video-atandt-tugs-at-heart-strings-with-distracted-driving-docume/#commentsFiled under: , ,

AT&T's The Last Text
AT&T anti-texting documentary "The Last Text" - Click above to watch video after the jump

AT&T launched the "It Can Wait" campaign earlier in the spring of 2010. The idea behind the movement is to create more awareness about the dangers of texting and driving. In order to create more visual impact, AT&T has commissioned a documentary called The Last Text, and it focuses on a few young lives that have been impacted or even cut short due to distracted driving caused by a text message.

The video may play a bit heavily with the emotional subject matter, but it also helps drive home a very important message - Many lives can be ruined in the blink of an eye - all because you had to read or send that text message. Put your phone down for a minute then hop the jump to watch The Last Text.

[Source: AT&T via Engadget]

Continue reading Video: AT&T tugs at heart strings with distracted driving documentary

Video: AT&T tugs at heart strings with distracted driving documentary originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 29 Dec 2010 14:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atandtattdistracted drivingit can waitlast textpsatext messagetextingtexting and drivingvideoWed, 29 Dec 2010 14:55:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19779345/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/12/29/video-atandt-tugs-at-heart-strings-with-distracted-driving-docume/19779345/article-detail.xml 19779345 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/12/att-texting-documentary_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/12/att-texting-documentary.jpg -1 2