Why Do Automakers Enable Idiotic Texting While Driving?

I agree. There isn't anyone out there on the front lines of the texting while driving issue that thinks that any Speech to Text software is anything other that just another form of texting while driving. Still fumbling with technology instead of focusing on the 5,000 pounds of steel and glass they sitting in. I like, for example, Ford’s trailblazing innovation but it falls short of giving the driver an option that puts their eyes firmly on the road ahead.

I am clearly no longer objective on this issue as I decided to do something about it after my three year old daughter was nearly run down right in front of me by a texting driver last fall. Instead of software that further distracts the user (especially teens), I built a tool that is a simple, GPS based texting auto reply app called OTTER for smartphones. It also silences distracting call ringtones unless you have a bluetooth enabled. OTTER is an easy way to manage that text and drive temptation and get the driver's eyes back on the road where they belong.

Erik Wood, owner

OTTER LLC

OTTER app

Erik Wood of WA 4:42PM October 26, 2011

obama wants to gut FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT. Allow government to LIE to such request.

We are now preparing to dismantle a nuclear bomb 600 times more powerful than bomb dropped on Hiroshima. FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT is another ticking time bomb for obama like guns for drug lords, etc..

Off topic, but interesting. More so than this article...

Bill Hedges of MO 8:13PM October 25, 2011

"The laws themselves are almost laughable, since the practice is so objectively dangerous and stupid, one wonders why anyone has to be told not to do it."

I don't agree much with Susan. But I do agree with her on this salient point. I'll also throw-out the asinine seatbelt laws. Which is another one of those, "Duh" laws.

But yet our children travel to school every day on school buses that have no seatbelts. I'm also trying to think of the last time I saw a motorcyclist wearing a seatbelt. Yeah, can't think of it.

The laws, unfortunately, are largely a result of lobbying efforts by the insurance companies. That and you have some lords and purveyors over all who think that demanding, nay, forcing society into compliance is somehow acceptible and appreciated. I think of that everytime my car starts chirping and beeping at me for failing to buck-up. I'm sure, in these new "smart" cars that the incessant chirping and beeping will soon include an APB alert to local police along with a owner/user description, a grid coordinate, and tracking feature. Perhaps it will auto generate a ticket fine or simple debit $100 from your checking account for failing to comply to the insanity.

david of ID 7:02PM October 25, 2011