There are two new applications available for BMW owners called BMW Connected and BMW Link that offer a hands-free alternative to checking Twitter, Facebook or Last Mile Navigation. While this new addition to the model can be helpful to some people, it can prove to be detrimental to new and inexperienced drivers behind the wheel. BMW Connected provides a legal way to text while driving, which serves as a distraction that can result in a fatal accident. Drivers, even the most experienced ones, must remain completely focused on the road.
According to www.physcologytoday.com, the application is unlikely to reduce accidents in the same way that hands-free cell phones have not reduced auto accidents.
Many teenagers today will often take advantage of any situation that allows them to stay connected with friends through texts or Twitter. This new application only makes it easier to abuse technology while driving. Drivers will be too focused on composing a tweet to sustain their Twitter followers rather than focusing on the road. Turning one’s attention away from the virtual world for a car ride from point A to point B is not difficult, but it does require self-control. Regardless of whether these applications make social networking easily accessible to the average driver, his or her main priority should be on safely reaching the final destination.
“Having access to that type of technology can create a wide variety of potential dangers not only for the driver but also to other passengers in the car as well,” said junior Katherine Rendon.
Even with one eye on the road, a driver’s brain is not completely focused on driving especially if his or her mind is focused on reading a new text message or reciting a reply to Siri. Statistic analyzers from Dahouise University in Canada have held a study proving that distracted driving severely impacts a driver’s awareness. In the study, drivers were tested in three different speed limit zones. Everything from their speed, distance to other cars and brake reaction was negatively affected. Regardless of whether or not the driver’s hands are on the wheel, being overwhelmed with Facebook memos and text responses keeps the mind occupied and leads to a lack of judgment.
“Anything can be a distraction, even when doing driver’s education [a student] is not allowed to turn on the radio because the song that is playing will often mess up their concentration,” said sophomore Maria Volkova.
Despite the various technological advancements that enable drivers to multitask, drivers must be aware that any disturbance when driving will increase the risk of accidents. Hands-free or not, placing one’s life at risk for a simple emoji response is not worth it.
