On behalf of Jeff Antin of Antin, Ehrlich & Epstein, LLP, Attorneys at Law posted in Distracted Drivers on Friday, November 8, 2013.
Most would agree that texting while driving has become a sort of roadway epidemic. The Manhattan streets are already bursting with roadway dangers, so taking your attention off of the road for even one second can cause detrimental consequences.
In an attempt to control a serious driver distraction, Windows has come up with technology that can reduce the urge to check your phone after receiving a text or a phone call. The idea behind it is that many individuals won’t be compelled to check it if they don’t hear the incoming alerts. As such, “Driving Mode” will be a new function of the operating system for Windows 8. It will mute the call and text alerts; however, it won’t actually prevent out the user from making calls or sending texts. Another interesting feature is the ability to allow your Bluetooth to automatically connect to “Driving Mode” when it senses that you have gotten into your car.
Windows is not the only organization to take safe driving seriously. AT&T provides a free app called “DriveMode” that is able to sense how fast your car is going and stop all forms of communication once the car exceeds a certain mileage.
Certainly those who use these apps will be benefited, as will drivers and pedestrians around them, but the reality is that many drivers are simply not interested in policing their actions with the help of technology; therefore, car accidents will continue to occur. As such, those who have been victimized as a result of the negligent actions of another should discuss their case with a personal injury attorney.
Source: Eagle-Tribune, “Apps, tips hinder texting while driving,” Vince Horiuchi, Oct. 20, 2013