Magnulus
You just noted the same thing that I noted previously, that someone who is proficient at text messaging does not have to take their attention off the road to enter a message. It requires no more attention that adjusting that AC or radio knob you mentioned.
Last I knew there were several cars the had heads up displays available. I think part of the reason there aren't more, besides the cost factor, is their limited value in this application. In a fighter jet there is a lot of dynamic information that the pilot needs to be able to read and track constantly while flying.
In a car there are really only three things the the driver needs to be aware of - speed, fuel, and any warning lights. These three items do not require a full view to monitor, they can be adequately monitored in your peripheral vision. The orientation of the speedometer and fuel gauge needles can be readily observed without looking directly at them, all that is required is to be at least somewhat familiar with the vehicle so you know the that 65 is at the one o'clock position for example. Warning lights can be readily seen if they come on.
Perhaps we need an ad that pulls back to show the car that she pushes out of the lane and into the path of the oncoming truck while she is fussing with the kid, and the people end as a result.
We need to focus on the fact that driver inattention is the problem here, not cell phones or kids or makeup, etc. Operator responsibility, blame the inattentive operator, not an inanimate object (or kid).
This is a much larger overall problem in society, we are always looking to blame inanimate objects or groups and absolve people of personal responsibility for their actions.
Such BS as:
People kill other people because of guns - BS people kill other people because *they* want to kill other people and have been doing so since long before guns were invented.
Johnny only used drugs because of peer pressure- BS Johnny used drugs because *he* decided to use drugs.
Mary rolled her SUV off a cliff because they are unsafe vehicles - BS Mary rolled her SUV off a cliff because *she* is (was) and unsend driver who did not understand the capabilities and limits of the vehicle.
The list goes on and on...
Pete C.
