Tuesday, January 17, 2017

Don't Distract Me, I'm Reading

January 16, 2017

When I got into my rental car the other day I noticed that the radio display was showing ads. Tickets are on sale for some event or other; and if you buy 3 tires at some place you can get a fourth one free (assuming you’re not reading these ads while driving, and live long enough to take advantage of them). Phone numbers are included (which I think might reduce your chances).

This display wasn’t even on the dash—you’d have to look down and to the right (presumably to see which radio station, song, or artist was playing, because of course you need to know that while you’re driving).

With the proven dangers of distracted driving, you’d think that automakers would know better. But no—in addition to the displays that will tell you your miles per gallon, the outside temperature, and all kinds of other superfluous information, they’re giving you phone numbers to read, and dial, while in the car.

Once lawmakers have eliminated texting or talking on the phone while driving (har!), maybe they can strongly encourage automakers to stop contributing to the problem.

By the way, the reason I was driving a rental car was that I was rear-ended FOR THE THIRD TIME IN 14 MONTHS.

Any guesses on why that keeps happening?


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