Ford in sync with the law

SB1613 isn’t the snappiest of titles, but it’s going to have an impact on many of the 29.7 million cell phone users in California. And that impact will happen on July 1, because SB1613 is a new state law going into effect on that date, prohibiting the use of cell phones while driving -- unless the driver is using a hands-free device. The CHP cites the cell phone as the number one cause of distraction for drivers, leading to many accidents -- some of them fatal.

Step forward Ford, whose Sync system -- developed with Microsoft -- allows Bluetooth-equipped phones to link into the audio systems of various vehicles manufactured under the Blue Oval’s aegis. These include cars wearing Lincoln and Mercury badges. The system uses voice activation and can even read out received text messages.

Software upgrades will be added later this year; 911 Assist helps drivers connect with the emergency services if an airbag has deployed; a Vehicle Health Report can be retrieved from the Sync website. Ford also plans to make Sync available in more models, including the F-150 truck and the Escape crossover SUV. Many luxury makers have Bluetooth connectivity, but Ford should be applauded for making such innovative features available in budget models like the Focus.
-- Colin Ryan

Comments

[Used Sync and Liked It]

Recently rented a Ford Focus w/Sync-took 2 secs to pair with phone. Another 10 secs to figure out how to play music stored on phone through the car stereo. Moments later a call came in as I began to drive. Sounds of U2 were muted automatically, ring came through speakers & caller ID showed up on center dash display. Hit steering wheel button to answer and could hear and be heard perfectly. Tried voice commands like "Call Joe" (a contact in my phone). Didn't work -- does work on the phone itself when I hit voice command button. Couldn't get it to play music via voice command as seen on TV ads. A few moments with a user manual probably would solve that. But all in all, very impressed!

[Ray]

"The CHP cites the cell phone as the number one cause of distraction for drivers, leading to many accidents -- some of them fatal." The problem, and the facts that you will not be told by the CHP, is: there's no significant difference in performance between hand-held and hands-free devices. In other words, talking on the phone, whether you're holding it or not, distracts you from driving. So while the new law prevents hand-held devices from being used, it's not likely to decrease accidents.

[Colin Ryan]

Ray,
Thanks for your comment and yes, there seems to be a lot of people who have that walking and chewing gum problem. Even when you see drivers using hands-free, they're often gesticulating in mid-conversation. But I just hope this measure will go some small way to making the roads a little safer.
Colin