While drivers may be excited about Apple’s recently announced CarPlay technology that allows them to control navigation, hands-free calling, apps and more from their vehicle’s infotainment center while driving, auto safety experts do not share their enthusiasm.
CNN Money (via MacRumors) reports that experts believe the interaction, although it may be eyes-free and hands-free, still leads to “cognitive distraction,” which moves a driver’s attention away from their driving and onto their phone.
“The idea that people want to be on their phones, and therefore let’s give them a way to do that — that’s not putting safety first, that’s putting convenience and the desire to be in touch first,” said Bruce Hamilton, manager of research and communications at the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety.
However, Apple believes the CarPlay system offers iPhone users access to their devices with less distraction.
“CarPlay has been designed from the ground up to provide drivers with an incredible experience using their iPhone in the car,” said Greg Joswiak, Apple’s vice president of iPhone and iOS Product Marketing. “iPhone users always want their content at their fingertips and CarPlay lets drivers use their iPhone in the car with minimized distraction.”
While CarPlay is similar to existing in-dash infotainment sessions, concerns over distracted driving are getting renewed attention, simply because of CarPlay’s highly visible debut.
Apple’s CarPlay will allow iPhone 5s, iPhone 5c and iPhone 5 owners to interact with in-dash systems from such automobile makers as Ferrari, Mercedes-Benz, Volvo, BMW, Ford, GM, Honda, Hyundai, among others.
