New Hands-Free Technology Lets Motorists Use Twitter While Driving

British motorists could soon be able to use Twitter while driving with new hands-free technology from car company Ford.

The system, called AppLink, allows applications on iPhones and BlackBerries to be voice-controlled.

It reads 'tweet' updates out loud while the car is on the move - but does not allow the driver to respond.

This is all controlled by Ford's SYNC system - a hands-free technology that is also capable of reading out text messages and uses voice recognition to select specific songs from an MP3 player.

It was created after a study, from Virginia Tech Transportation Institute, in America, revealed the dangers of driver inattention.

Research suggested that being distracted for a matter of seconds is a factor in a staggering 80 per cent of accidents.

Ford says its SYNC technology offers significant safety benefits by allowing the driver to focus more on the road.
Mark Fields, Ford president of The Americas, said: 'It's only through continuous improvement that Ford will maintain its lead in voice-activated vehicle controls.

'Making SYNC even more intuitive and easier to use will encourage more drivers to take advantage of its hands-free capabilities, helping them keep their focus on driving.'

The system is expected to appear in the Focus model in Britain next year before being installed across the range.
But it's being greeted with some scepticism by driving experts in the UK.

John Franklin, from the RAC, said: 'RAC welcomes any innovation that improves safety by limiting the distractions in the car.

'However it's debatable whether this type of technology will help as it's likely to increase the distractions available to the driver.

'Tweeting while driving is an unnecessary distraction and shouldn't be seen as an essential activity when behind the wheel.'

A spokesman for the AA added: 'This technology has Jeckyll and Hyde qualities.

'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.

'It's fine if it's merely meant to be listened to - like a radio - but not if the driver has to start fiddling around with buttons.

'Hands-free technology can be dangerous if the driver is distracted for too long.

'It is the driver's responsibility to use the technology safely.'



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Source : www.dailymail.co.uk