The state of Pennsylvania is currently in the process of passing a “no-texting while driving” bill. The bill considers texting behind the wheel as primary offense, whereby the police can pull over drivers if they are observed texting while driving. Laws similar to the no-texting while driving bill in Pennsylvania are popping up across the country. Many speculate that precedent will need to be established concerning the definition of “texting.” This precedent could have an interesting impact on the mobile application market.
For example, say a pizza delivery driver uses the Google Maps application on his phone to locate the homes of customers. If a police officer sees the driver holding his phone using the GPS, will this count as a texting violation? The primary purpose of GPS applications like Google Maps, or the popular MotionX application MotionX GPS Drive is to provide the driver with a visual representation of their surroundings so they can easily get to their destination.
These laws will provide a new opportunity for tech companies to tap into a market of “anti-texting while driving” applications. AT&T recognized this opportunity and developed DriveMode — an application that is manually activated by the user before they start their car. If the user receives a text, DriveMode will automatically respond and let the sender know that the recipient is currently driving. DriveMode also turns off the sound of incoming notifications in an attempt to reduce the urge to look at the phone while driving.
With the rise of tech entrepreneurship across the country, what will these laws mean for companies that develop apps specifically designed for drivers? If the precedent is set that “texting” includes the use of any smartphone applications while driving, many tech companies could be in danger of lawsuits from crash victims in the near future. These companies may be forced to adapt to the changing market or instead transition to a new one.
Another voice-activated application similar to Apple’s Siri, Text’ n Drive, allows users to safely send text messages and reply to emails while driving. Siri and other voice-activated applications like Text’ n Drive will lead the way in the “mobile” market of technology behind the wheel.
My guess would be that precedent will allow for the use of voice-activated software. Many companies like OnStar are already leading the way with innovation by integrating new technologies that will read Facebook messages aloud to the driver. Rest assured, you will be able to feed your texting addiction one way or another behind the wheel.
View Comments (5)
We have a no texting law in Toronto, its not a big deal at all and neither should you be occupied on your phone when driving anyway. Police don't really care, it isn't a big priority (and shouldn't be.)
This was a complete waste of my time. Your only example here to support your argument is that of a pizza delivery guy (and I'm assuming all other "delivery" type jobs). People working in these fields already have access to GPS devices (on top of the dash) and should definitely have (or get, eventually) a basic understanding of the city they work in.
Eric,Â
Thanks for your input. My point was that the voice-activated market will benefit by this type of legislation. The delivery guy example was just one of the many different scenarios. What if the driver was simply changing a song on the music app? The example was meant to show that it will be difficult for law enforcement officiers to tell the difference between a driver who is using an application and a driver who is sending a text message.Â
Your phone shouldn't be in your hand while driving - for no reason at all! Text' n Drive seems like a good solution. In the meantime, pull over to the curb if you REALLY HAVE to respond to an incoming text or send one! Texting is not worth losing my life over! The world won't come to an end if I don't text while driving - but it might come to an end if I, or YOU, do!
I agree! Hopefully voice-activated technology like Text'nDrive and Apple's Siri will help narrow the use of any device behind the wheel.Â