Driving Under the Influence

Tweet-aholics are most likely applauding today’s announcement from Ford Motor Company at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Vegas. Ford plans to help people drive under the influence — the influence of Twitter, that is. Ford plans to put new technology in its cars to enable people to hear their Twitter feeds read aloud while they are driving. It’s expected that drivers also will be able to post tweets verbally in the next 12 to 18 months even though that capability wasn’t formally announced today.

MyFord, a new computer in the dashboard of new Ford vehicles, will make it all possible. The system features a voice-controlled interface with an 8-inch touchscreen display, USB ports, Wi-Fi capabilities, and support for smartphone applications like Pandora, Twitter, and Stitcher. In addition, drivers can use voice commands to control everything from their stereo to A/C to phone. When parked, you can use the touchscreen display to surf the web, but once you start driving, it is disabled for safety. Ford will roll out the new system in its new Edge and Focus models first, but the company expects the technology to be installed in 80% of its vehicles within five years.

Some safety groups are criticizing the new technology saying it’s too big of a distraction for drivers, but I disagree. How is listening to a Twitter feed any different than listening to a radio broadcast? Furthermore, it’s much safer than someone fumbling with a mobile device and taking their eyes off the road to read the screen while driving. With the rise in deadly accidents caused from texting while driving, I think the verbal prompts are a much safer alternative. Personally, I’m a big fan. Anything that doesn’t force a driver to take his eyes off the road is a positive in my book.

The only downside: becoming even more addicted to Twitter.