“High-Tech Cars Send Texts Hands-Free, but Questionable Safety”

High-Tech Cars Send Texts Hands-Free, but Questionable Safety

Posted: 29 Nov 2010 07:58 PM PST

Wisconsin's texting while driving ban begins Wednesday. Drivers caught could be cited hundreds of dollars in fines. Although there are legal hands-free alternatives to typing, police are concerned they may not be safe.

The language of Wisconsin's texting while driving ban allows drivers to legally use a "voice-operated or hands-free device if the driver of the motor vehicle does not use his or her hands to operate the device, except to activate or deactivate a feature or function of the device."

This means typing on a phone's physical keyboard is banned, even at stoplights since the car is still running, but typing with voice recognition software is allowed.

Some newer phones have this functionality built in, as well as some cars. The Ford MyTouch system allows drivers to send texts from a lists of pre-programmed messages using only voice commands, whenever the car is moving slower than 5 m.p.h. On compatible phones it can also download new messages and read them aloud so drivers can keep their eyes on the road, not their digital screens.

"The more appliances and gadgets that we can eliminate that you have to hold, touch, or look at while you are driving, the better off we are," said Pete Roth of Kocourek Ford in Wausau.

Although systems like these are legal under the ban, local police wonder whether they are safe.

"Making a hands-free allows you to have two hands free to turn the wheel over because you have to make a sudden maneuver because you are distracted and driving," said Lt. Ben Bliven of the Wausau Police Department. "It is a distraction and a concern and just making a hands-free doesn't take away that distraction.

Bliven says drivers using voice recognition may have their hands free, but their minds may still be occupied. He prefers the law cause people to pocket their phones altogether.

"There is a percentage of the population that will probably stop texting because it is against the law. That's a good thing. It keeps the roads a little safer," said Bliven.

Bliven says the fine for a first offense in Wisconsin will vary by area since it accounts for court costs. In Wausau a first offense will cost about $100 and four points against the driver's record. A second offense within a year will cost about $200.

Besides the Ford MyTouch and Sync systems, there are other platforms that allow for hands-free text message composing. Some phones have their own built-in voice recognition software allowing similar functionality. Downloadable smartphone applications can also offer these options.

There is also technology that can disable mobile communication while in a car. Some service providers and developers offer phone software designed to block calls and messaging services when they sense the phone is moving at driving speeds.

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