DonLandis
02-02-07, 12:36 PM
http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Features/articleId=119212
While some of us have been ready with mobile wireless internet for a couple years now, slowly getting better and better speed, this may be new to many people.
GPS coupled with broadband internet can offer information on upcoming traffic jams due to weather, road construction and accidents. It can offer a peek at those traffic cameras you see at intersections and on the freeway. I have done both these tasks via a cell phone and mobile connect laptop so for me this is nothing new.
Of course there are those who will object to this based on fear of the other guy not paying attention to the road because he is surfing some porn site but I don't buy it. I believe technology should be made available and then have laws that restrict the driver from using certain hands on, eyes on usage. eg. It should be illegal to type on a keypad while driving but to get traffic info superimposed on your GPS screen should not be illegal. Did you know that some GPS systems actually have wiring that disables them while you drive? This is counter-productive and defeats the whole purpose. I have no problem with anyone using a GPS to get directions while they drive since properly placed a GPS screen should be no more a distraction than glancing at your speedometer or tuning your radio.
Talking on a cell phone is not a problem anymore than talking to the person sitting next to you. It is entering a number to make a call that is the problem or the lack of a hands free system. Hands free keeps your hands on the wheel most of the time while driving. An internet connection for your car can be a really great thing as long as it is used responsibly. For those who can't, stiff fines will teach them a lesson.
While some of us have been ready with mobile wireless internet for a couple years now, slowly getting better and better speed, this may be new to many people.
GPS coupled with broadband internet can offer information on upcoming traffic jams due to weather, road construction and accidents. It can offer a peek at those traffic cameras you see at intersections and on the freeway. I have done both these tasks via a cell phone and mobile connect laptop so for me this is nothing new.
Of course there are those who will object to this based on fear of the other guy not paying attention to the road because he is surfing some porn site but I don't buy it. I believe technology should be made available and then have laws that restrict the driver from using certain hands on, eyes on usage. eg. It should be illegal to type on a keypad while driving but to get traffic info superimposed on your GPS screen should not be illegal. Did you know that some GPS systems actually have wiring that disables them while you drive? This is counter-productive and defeats the whole purpose. I have no problem with anyone using a GPS to get directions while they drive since properly placed a GPS screen should be no more a distraction than glancing at your speedometer or tuning your radio.
Talking on a cell phone is not a problem anymore than talking to the person sitting next to you. It is entering a number to make a call that is the problem or the lack of a hands free system. Hands free keeps your hands on the wheel most of the time while driving. An internet connection for your car can be a really great thing as long as it is used responsibly. For those who can't, stiff fines will teach them a lesson.