Friendly or Fatal?

General Motors Co. will soon be adding a new feature, due to Onstar's "upgrade to match services offered by rival Ford's Sync Music and information system." The company is attempting to add Facebook later on this month. There will also be features added to this system that will allow the driver to use voice to text, and other voice commands enabling their Facebook statuses to be updated. Onstar will be testing other technological devices to allow its users to have their text messages be read out loud. GM is using this as a way to catch up to Ford who currently has features that include "social networking, web browsing, and iPod-style thumb controls." By having this feature, GM should see an increase in their automobile sales. The price of the new feature will be free the first year, followed by a great increase in price.

Although this system "provides accidental alerts, directions, vehicle diagnostics and roadside assistance in case of an emergency," it still doesn't seem safe enough to place in vehicles. Granted, this is a really impressive device; however, it's just another distraction to the drivers and will have fatal results. Many people will enjoy this feature because they have become addicted to Facebook, which will have them give it their undivided attention while driving. The company will most likely get sued if anything happens, as a result of this feature. Yes, they are trying to make the industry more competitive, but overall, this is just a bad idea.


http://www.wric.com/Global/story.asp?S=13119561