This morning on MSN I was watching the interviews from known futurists, technologists, politicians and musicians on their take of "texting under the influence". The debate is, should it be illegal to text while driving? Simon Cox said "that cars are already deadly weapons and stupid people in a deadly weapon will just end up in a disaster. Technology is an extension of who we are." As technology transforms the way we live, it literally becomes a behavior, a way of life. It comes down to two choices according to Sarah Lazar. "We either need stiffer penalties for texting while driving or we need to come up with the technology that allows (voice to text)."
I say lets come up with technology that enables us to do more in our cars in a safer manner. I know on three different occasions I have had serious heart wrenching close calls when texting and driving. I have considered myself an excellent driver and even I have fallen into the "texting - almost dying trap" that ensnares all texting drivers.
I have to agree with Sarah, we need a HUD (heads up display) where we can visually see who is calling or texting. We need our cars to be more interactive with us in a safe manner. The real question is what blocks our line of vision more, looking down at our phone, or seeing the text show up on the windshield? Most cell phones already have voice-recognition software built in. With the correct interface, integrating services into our cars that interface with our phone only seems like the logical path of future car designs. This ability will save more lives. Putting a stop to drinking and driving could be done with an in-car breathalyzer machine that has to be blown into to turn the car on. The technology is there to make our driving experience safer.
The question is, at what point do we lose our freedom to make the choices we want to make versus governmental control over everything we do based on what they think is the right way for us to do things? That ladies and gentleman is the big question.
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