Facebook in Cars? Could This Cause Safety Issues?

As many are aware, distracted driving is quickly becoming one of the biggest safety issues in terms of motor vehicle operation. In many cases, it is just as serious and dangerous as drunk driving. According to statistics provided by the United States Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 1,200 people are injured and 15 people are killed in car crashes that involve a distracted driver every day.

Despite being aware of these dangers, many continue to engage in distracting activities while driving. Distracted driving has long been an issue, however in the past decade, the rise of texting and smart phones has led to increase in distracting activities. This is particularly true of teenagers.

Because of these dangers, many lawmakers have implemented laws over the past few years restricting and banning the use of cell phones and other handheld electronic devices while driving. Public transportation drivers and truck drivers are especially subject to these laws.

In addition to laws to restrict distracted driving, many manufacturers are implementing anti-distracted driving features in their products. Many cell phone apps are in development that will limit the functionality of a phone while the car is in motion. Additionally, some automatically respond to those who call or text with a preset message.

Unfortunately most do not distinguish between the driver and passengers. Most of these apps must be enabled manually and can be disabled, normally through the use of a code. Though these devices show that the programmers and manufacturers are aware of the problem of distracted driving, it is still ultimately up to drivers to be responsible enough to use them.

As technology advances in nearly every direction, it’s becoming possible to be connected to social media services and websites virtually at all times. In their new models, Mercedes-Benz USA will be integrating Facebook software into their vehicles.

As many modern vehicles are being designed with built-in gps systems and on-screen mp3 interfaces, the new models of Mercedes-Benz USA vehicles will use an on screen display to connect with a specialized version of Facebook.

This will not be the standard version of Facebook seen when using personal computers. This application will allow drivers to post status updates. If a destination is selected in the GPS system, the user can publish his or her destination as a status update. Also, users will be able to see other nearby users and locations they have “liked” on their Facebook accounts.

In addition to Facebook, Mercedes-Benz USA will be including Google and Yelp accessibility in the in-car system.

This technological inclusion understandably raises numerous safety concerns. As many laws are just now being implemented that restrict and ban the use of cell phones and other electronic devices, it seems odd to include many of the features that make cell phones dangerous standard and built into vehicles.

When asked of the safety concerns raised by this integration, the Mercedes’ product manager for Telematics Services stated that this service would be no more distracting than a GPS navigation system or a standard radio system. Additionally, like many phone apps, any activity that involves the user entering text will be disabled while the vehicle is in motion.

While this does show some concern for safety, activities such as changing a radio station or using a GPS are potentially dangerous activities and should be kept to a minimum, done by a passenger, or while the vehicle is not in motion.

Some features of the Facebook interface are locked out while the car is in motion, but it is still usable. It is important to note that distracted driving does not only include physically removing hands from the steering wheel or eyes from the road. Mental distractions are often just as dangerous.

If you or a loved one has been injured, or a loved one has been killed, in a car crash due to someone else’s negligence, contact a qualified car accident attorney.

These Hubs are provided for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. Professional legal counsel should be sought for specific advice relevant to your circumstances.