UPDATED 14:53 EST / SEPTEMBER 28 2010

Hands-free Mobile Apps can play Important Role in Road Saftey

A very intriguing article about impact of ” Texting while Driving” bans has been published in the ABD News. The discussion is based on research conducted by the Highway Loss Data Institute, reporting that car crashes have not decreased in spite of  texting while driving bans. Does this imply that laws may not make drivers any safer? The article looks at both sides of the coin, presenting arguments in favor of the ban and also critically analyzing the impact of the ban. There are also mentions of some flaws in the study. The details of the research are quoted below:

The researchers calculated rates of collision claims for vehicles in California, Louisiana, Minnesota and Washington, immediately before and immediately after those states banned texting while driving. Not only did the researchers find that crashes did not decrease after texting bans, they found that in three states, crashes actually increased slightly.”We want to be very, very clear. Texting while driving or using a cell phone while driving is definitely hazardous. It’s just that laws enacted to reduce this behavior are not reducing crashes,” said Anne Fleming, a spokeswoman for the Highway Loss Data Institute.

At the end of the day the problems and possible solutions regarding road safety remain a primary concern. The ongoing issues and safety concerns around the topic could drive demand for hands-free mobile apps. Some current solutions in the industry include Google Voice Action and Ford Sync integration & Drive Safe.ly. Such applications are early in their technology, butshow potential in these arenas.  We’re in an era where more technology is being incorporated into cars, for safety purposes.  It may one day become mandatory while driving.


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