What is the story with the new anti-txting technology I keep hearing about?

Steveg99

Over the last couple of weeks I have heard a number of radio interviews about this new anti-texting technology they will be rolling out on mobile phones. Stops you texting while driving. I have heard so many horror stories that I think it it is a great idea - Anybody know more or got any thoughts on this?

Cookie_Monster

Steveg99 wrote: »

Stops you texting while driving.

how does it know, i presume it needs GPS to work. and how do you use it if a passenger or on the train or similar, ie moving fast but not driving

Quazzie

How does it even know if its a driver texting or a passenger?

Steveg99

What has been stated is that the passanger goes through a validation system which they say is impossible for driver to pass as you need to concentrate, etc. Passenger obviously can pass it.

Cookie_Monster

Steveg99 wrote: »

which they say is impossible for driver to pass as you need to concentrate, etc.

sounds like a challenge to be honest.

Quazzie

So if I'm getting a lift with a mate and want to send a text message I've to knuckle down and pass a test first? Where and how does this software get put onto existing phones and what idiotic mobile manufacturer is going to try implement it on new ones.

Its a bit late for April's fools isn't it?

Cookie_Monster

I actually remember hearing about this a few months ago on Newstalk, the tech guy on The Right Hook. I don't think they were too serious about it though, its too complicated and annoying for the normal user to bother with it. If a certain network or manufacturer introduced it first they'd lose out big time i reckon

Steveg99

All I know is I am sick of seeing fools driving around the city while they stare down at their phone in order to send a txt. I must see it 20 times a day.

Run_to_da_hills

Invasive technology to say the least, no matter how beneficial it is, no doubt the authorities will also be looking into this so that they can monitor and penalise offenders.

Steveg99

I heard it on Newstalk also - my understanding was that it had nothing to do with the make of phone. Instead it was pushed down by mobile phone operator and was compatible will all phones out there. Way I look at it I have to key in a few numbers to unlock my phone so if I had todo the same while travelling as a passanger in a car or bus then how bad.

Tech3

I would like to see this new technology buy frankly why dont people just stop and txt instead of risking their life, how is this going to work? Voice recognition? It would be hard to concentrate when spelling out a word while driving I would imagine.

Quazzie

So basically its a case of instead of coming up with a way of actually catching and prosecuting them, lets make it more distracting to do and therefore even more of a danger.

Good thinking. Why not add a sudoku puzzle to it aswell.

Steveg99

Quazzie wrote: »

So basically its a case of instead of coming up with a way of actually catching and prosecuting them, lets make it more distracting to do and therefore even more of a danger.

Good thinking. Why not add a sudoku puzzle to it aswell.

Seriously???? Any suggestions on how they come up with a way of catching all the fools who insist on driving and texting at the same time??? Surely preventing it makes a good starting point. However the technology works this has to make more sense.

johnnyjb

Steveg99 wrote: »

What has been stated is that the passanger goes through a validation system which they say is impossible for driver to pass as you need to concentrate, etc. Passenger obviously can pass it.

Or else the driver will put more concentration on their phone and will cause more accidents. Not bashing it, but needs more technology.

Quazzie

I don't text as a driver. I do however text as a passenger. A lot. Why shoould be punished for the few 'fools' who text while driving. I don't claim to know the answer but surely this isn't it. Whats next?

Steveg99

I am sure something like this wouldn't work if they made passing the validation system harder than sending a text in the first place - I am guessing some thought hind it. I suppose these types of technologies are about behavioural change. If you keep failing you will eventually stop.

gaz wac

Ive actually though of this before but just always wondered if it is possible:

your mobile phone have two "pressable" buttons, one on top and one on the bottom. The two of them need to be pressed at the same time to be able to txt ! if this new software is based on the fact that you are moving, if your are a passagner in a moving car, its not going to cause you a problem. If your a driver there is no way you are going to be able to use both hands..unless your driving with your elbows!!! :mad:

Quazzie

gaz wac wrote: »

If your a driver there is no way you are going to be able to use both hands..unless your driving with your elbows!!! :mad:

And that there is the problem. Making it harder makes them drive with their elbows rather than stop.

foggy_lad

maybe if the law was changed so drivers caught texting would lose their license for 6months and then have to resit their test it might improve safety on the roads. and not a bit of technology in sight, but it would need gardai with a sense of duty and responsibility to prosecute drivers for such a minor offence

Quazzie

This I'd support. Punish the guilty not the innocent.

gaz wac

but how would they get caught ? I got stopped for tax/ insurance about a month ago....before that.....id say four years ago !!! you should be able to shop someone in and sign an affitdavid (sp) and then let them check phone details with phone company...then off the road for a month!! simples

spurious

I already have a fine tuned piece of equipment that stops me texting while driving.
It's called a brain.

foggy_lad

gaz wac wrote: »

but how would they get caught ? I got stopped for tax/ insurance about a month ago....before that.....id say four years ago !!! you should be able to shop someone in and sign an affitdavid (sp) and then let them check phone details with phone company...then off the road for a month!! simples

if spotted texting by a garda he/she should stop your vehicle and check your phone for recent messages. but as said it requires gardai to be vigilant and out on the streets instead of hiding in the safety of their cars and vans.

Carawaystick

gaz wac wrote: »

your mobile phone have two "pressable" buttons,

Phones with buttons, how very noughties!

Seriously how will this distinguish between driving and passengering?

How will it affect legacy phones?

What is the cost?

What exactly is the benefit?

Will it apply to emails or webtexts?

Cookie_Monster

spurious wrote: »

I already have a fine tuned piece of equipment that stops me texting while driving.
It's called a brain.

funny that, thats the same fine tuned piece of equipment that lets me text while driving









joking :P