We're all aware of the serious problems texting while driving has caused, in the number of deaths and accidents. Some states have existing bans texting while driving, but for those states who don't, there might be another option.
I found this interesting article about a device called "Vlingo". This is the first I've hear of it, thought it seems it has been available to blackberries and many smartphones (including iPhones) for a while now.
It's basically a program that allows you to talk-text, or talk-email people instead of typing your messages, a system that would prove especially useful while driving. The most likely to be killed in a car accident are people between the ages 16-20, and this is not based on the dangers of texting-while-driving alone. But with the added complications of texting, the number of deaths each year (not only in this age group) has risen, and most likely will continue to rise. I think that, if perfected, this "Vlingo" technology would save an inordinate amount lives.
While the technology still has some issues in translating spoken messages flawlessly into text, I think it has a promising future for this generation of drivers and the next.
Here is the link to the article in case you want to read more:
A Safer Way to Text on the Road
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12 comments:
I think the idea of being able to talk-text is a good one. However, the technology seems to far fetched at this point. There would be too many mistakes and setting it up while driving would be just as much of a hassle as texting while driving is. Im sure this technology will improve in the future to a point that it is helpful to have, but right now it's still in its early stages and needs improvement before it will become popular.
I really just think while driving the focus should be solely on driving. I don't even think people should talk on their phones while driving. Texting is definitely something people should refrain from. Meshing the talking and the texting into one really is still quite dangerous. I think that it might come in handy in terms of people not getting early arthritis from texting. I agree though that it has the potential to be something great and popular in technology but right now its just not so great and needs improving.
I think this new technology is a clever idea in trying to prevent disasters resulted from texting while driving.
However, i agree that this new form of technology would simply complicate the problems of texting while driving. For once, there have been numerous states that ban texting and driving. Likewise, how would a police be fair in persecuting the offenders who have that technology and those who can't afford it. Also, people would tend to overdo and talk-text back and forth during driving; I just don't see the convenience of it while you can simply call and talk.
This is definitely a safer way to text on the road. With more and more people texting these days, precautions such as laws are needed to keep all of us safe while driving. Hopefully in the near future, all states with have laws against texting while driving; but until then, devices such as "Vlingo" can do a lot of good. And hopefully all phones will be able to have a device that allows talk-texting and not just smart phones. While talk-texting is still a distraction while driving, it is a much better option than texting. Accidents will still happened because of talk-texting; however, it should be much lower than the accidents that texting causes.
i think this piece of technology is a great idea. We definitely need to stop texting and talking on the phone while driving and this Vlingo is a step in the right direction. I'd love to slam the general public for being so reckless while moving a massive piece of machinery at over 70mph but I text and talk while driving too. Almost everybody does it. A lot of the good texters out there can argue that you can text without looking, i can too but when it comes down to it none of us need to text while driving. Bluetooth is safer yes, and so is only texting while at stoplights, but i'm very interested to see if any laws might be brought about with the whole idea of cell phones and driving. I know many countries completely ban the action and require you to pull over and step outside of the car if you need to use the phone. I don't think this piece of technology will go very far. I'd be more interested to see whether or not the government takes action
I'm not sure this will work because it's somewhat of the mental distraction of texting while driving. Not so much the physical aspect of it. Though i think this would help a ton. Being a person who does text and drive it would help.
I definitely believe this vlingo thing could save some lives. as long as it does what it is supposed to and the bugs are all worked out of it, it has an enormous potential to be a success. another thing to consider though, whats the point of talk-texting when u can simply make a call? i suppose the hands-free idea comes into play, but then why not just use bluetooth instead?
This is an interesting idea, but isn't it a bit troubling that we are so connected to our phones that we can't wait until we're done driving to answer a text message?
I think in theory this is a good idea, but I don't think it'll work...at least not yet. Because the technology doesn'translate the message perfectly I know I'd find myself looking at my phone to double check the message (completely taking away the safety of the product). Also, instead of speaking a text/email to friends, shouldn't we ultimately be focusing on the road.
haha so how long have they been working on speech to text now? a long time. until they get that fixed up to near perfection (which could be quite a bit longer), a poor piece of software like this will kill more people than it will save.
Well this is interesting. I guess if it was effective it would help with texting while driving? However, I've used this type of technology for computers before, and it's not always easy. There are usually a lot of errors in the text, until you learn the best way to use it. Also, if you're going to "talk-text", why not just call this person using blue tooth or something? We text too much anyway & it seems a lot easier to me.
Vlingo could be a great way to text on the road. I know my twin sister is a constant texter even while driving and it always scares me to death. I think this could definitely help prevent accidents caused by texting and driving. I've seen friends use it just while walking and for the most part it accurately types what you're saying.
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