A whole generation of electronic devices already are in use that are part of the deadly distracted driving problem, with many more on the way.
Audi of America and AT&T say new data plans for the 2015 A3 sedan that debuts this month start at $99 for a 5 GB 6-month plan and $499 for a 30 GB 30-month plan. The distracted driving enabler, which allows high-speed internet access in the car, will be the first in-vehicle application of 4G LTE connectivity. (See Chevrolet to Sell 4G LTE Data Connections Next Summer)
What this does for the deadly distracted driving problem remains to be seen and depends whether the driver or passengers are surfing the web. There is also risk involved; electronics in automobiles are now the largest single source of customer dissatisfaction if there are glitches, dropped voice commands, screen crashes or problems connecting portable devices.
There are also large privacy issues, as Ford Motor found out from the backlash after a top executive, James Farley, said that the company tracks customers and knows where and when customers drive and if they are driving illegally.
All Audi A3 sedans will receive a free six-month trial period. Audi says that experience with its 3G+ plan that owners prefer either a 6-month or a 30-month term, which are designed to accommodate the consumer’s typical usage. The plans are based on typical usage in a vehicle. Customers can be sent e-mail alerts if they near the data plan limit.
The new A3 compact car line has the most advanced version of ‘Audi connect,’ including picture navigation, read-aloud news headlines, Facebook and Twitter alerts, access to more than 7,000 Web radio stations, personalized RSS news feeds, and smart phone access.
Audi plans to include 4G LTE capability across its entire lineup as new or refreshed models come to market. AT&T claims it has the nation’s most reliable 4G LTE network.
Ken has a great point, and I have to err on the side of the angels with this one. The only thing that WiFi and cars should have in common is maybe or possibly the key fob where, if the the key fob isn’t in the cab, you cannot start the car. Because of the number of frequencies available it is unlikely that a would be car thief, unless he’s carrying a rather large tablet or smartphone with an “ignition app” would be able to start your car in the time needed to start and remove you car from your possession (there are 11 channels is 3 bands — that require three different devices to use, if the device reads the spread spectrum signal.
That said: Distracted driving, according to the laws in Mass. consists of anything that takes your eyes or hands, or a combination thereof, off the wheel or causes you to take your eyes of the road – and we have had a law preventing distracted driving for about a year or more now. Kids, by the way, are absolutely forbidden to use cellphones or smartphones behind the wheel.
The unfortunate part of our state’s distracted driving law is that it is now a “moving violation” in that it doesn’t automatically raise your insurance rates for the six years that they are raised if you are involved in an accident or another type of moving violation. So, if a policeman sees you texting, he doesn’t have to do anything about it if there is something more important going on (like speeding).
AAA and others have put texting and cellphone using in the category of drinking or using drugs while driving. In other words, tests have shown — IIHS also — that simply using a cellphone behind the wheel is the same as if you are driving with an alcohol level of .8 (automatic presumption of guilt), even using a hands-free device as you are splitting your attention is the same. Texting is the same or more.
For some reason or other people see nothing wrong with calling on a phone or texting and answering texts while driving. Unfortunately, there have been a number of accidents attributable to cellphones or smartphones here. Texting is even more horrifying: you might ask the parents of a newspaper kid who was walking his bike through a pedestrian crossing when he was hit by the BMW whose driver was texting — kid was tossed about 75 feet and, needless to say, didn’t survive. But, that’s okay, right???? Or, how about the girl who was almost ready to graduate from high school two years ago who was driving to school and never made it. They found here car about halfway up a tree with the text message half answered. She was 17 or would “live forever” and “knew everything.” She was actually the valedictorian or something like that in her high school. She never did give that speech.
I could go on, but answer is simple: if a car “sniffs” transmitted radiowaves (or as we Hams like to say RF energy), a relay should just cut out the ignition and make the car stop (not just halt it in traffic but giving the vehicle enough energy to roll to the side of the road or shoulder). There is enough “non-license” frequency space available to make this possible and to keep it legal. (Parts 15 and 97 of the FCC code). Yes, lots of people will complain and be put out by this, but better to complain and be alive than to be “right” and be at the bottom of a ditch, “preying the cellphone or texting device from the driver’s cold, dead hands.” Sorry about the drama, but I am really upset by this idiotic waste of bandwidth we need for other things.
I am totally against these devices finding their ways into motor vehicles. There has been enough international hubbub surrounding mobile telephones and their usage in moving vehicles. Personally, I think that the safety lobbies should have dived onto the use of mobile web communications long ago. Sadly, as politicians are behind much of the 4G developments and they want to safeguard their futures (retirement funds and executive directorships notwithstanding), it is no surprise to me that any safety aspects have been quelled somewhat.