Jul 25

If you’ve been paying attention to any of the latest car commercials, you’ve probably heard all manner of technological amenities mentioned: cars that parallel park themselves, video back-up monitors, mp3 docks, and even the ability for emails to be read aloud through the car’s stereo system. Normally we applaud technology and how much easier it makes our lives. But having all of these tech options in our cars—is it necessary, helpful, safe, or a hazard? Obviously, car options are just that—optional. At least, until the technology becomes so commonplace that it’s standard (i.e. anti-lock brakes). Technological advances that increase safety and decrease risk get a thumbs up. There’s also the argument that if people are going to be using their personal technological devices anyway, shouldn’t the aim be to help them use them in a manner safe for driving? California is only the most recent state to make using handheld phones against the law; these laws are expected to be adopted by most, if not all, states in the future. Are the technological amenities available in newer cars a distraction to the actual act of driving? Should they be relegated to usage by just the passengers in the vehicle? The pros and cons of the argument can be debated but the fact is, we will probably continue to see personal technology integrated into cars. It is up to the drivers to use them (or not!) responsibly and safely.