smart home lifestyle
October 20 , 2007
high-tech gadgets can make your commute safer, more fun
Does your morning commute put your tail pipe in a spin? Asheville may be more of a “kudzu jungle” than a “steel jungle,” but our “bumper to bumper” is still more than most bargained for. Here are some “rules of the road” to educate, alleviate, and help to keep you safe.
Eyes on the road
Talking and driving is better than texting and driving but its better if they both take a back seat. According to a study released in January 2007 by Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company, 73 percent of 1,200 drivers talk on their cell phones while driving, the majority young drivers. Now, thanks to Bluetooth and voice recognition technologies, talking on your cell has gotten a whole lot safer.
“I don’t like driving without both hands on the steering wheel,” said Linda Fish, Candler resident. “With an earpiece, my movement isn’t restricted. When I used to hold my cell phone to my ear, my reactions to merging traffic were delayed a few more seconds because I couldn’t look around as easily or quickly.”
And texting and driving? Don’t even go there- especially if you live in South Wales. If you get caught sending or receiving a text message there, expect a fine of about $1800.
Sixty to zero?
Car thieves can no longer put the pedal to the metal thanks to OnStar’s Stolen Vehicle Slowdown.
"From its inception, the motivation behind OnStar has been the safety and security of our subscribers and others on the road," said Chet Huber, OnStar president. "Every service we add builds on this original promise. The Stolen Vehicle Slowdown service will allow our subscribers added peace of mind by possibly preventing their vehicle from being used as an instrument of harm if it happens to be stolen."
So how does it work? Once the vehicle is reported stolen to law enforcement, the subscriber calls OnStar. OnStar uses GPS to pinpoint your car’s location and slows it down remotely. Fuel flow to the engine is limited to slow the vehicle down gradually.
Approximately 1.6 million 2009 model year vehicles will be equipped with Stolen Vehicle Slowdown to confidently catch that crook.
OnStar also provides vehicle safety feature such as vehicle diagnostics, turn-by-turn navigation, hands free calling, remote door unlock. They even offer crisis assist, as partnered with the American Red Cross.
"The Red Cross is always looking for innovative ways to provide disaster information to more people in more places," said Rick Davis, Red Cross Director of Emergency Communications. "This partnership allows us to use the technological power and broad reach of OnStar to connect people who are affected by a disaster and who may be on the move to escape harm. We know this will be a useful and important tool for very large numbers of people as we enter the upcoming hurricane season."
OnStar’s Safe & Sound Plan runs just under $200/year.
3-second rule
Defensive driving goes down the drain when you’re fumbling for phone contacts or maneuvering around maps. Pioneer’s AVIC-N4 Navigation System helps keep a “cushion.”
The AVIC-N4’s DVD based in-dash navigation system serves as a hub for information, communication and entertainment- all controlled through a 7-inch touch panel display. The navigation feature offers detailed maps plus 12-million points of interest like gas stations, ATM and hotels. And when connected with XM Satellite Radio’s traffic tuner, drivers are alerted to current traffic incidents and flow conditions. Just remember, you have to have a subscription to XM for this feature.
The AVIC-N4 lets you listen to CD’s and watch DVD’s. It even has two zones, which means back passengers can listen to different music or watch a different video than those in the front seat. The only draw back is you’ll need headsets and additional rear screens for those riding in the back.
The in-dash unit will be available for $1600 and will also include a built-in iPod Direct control feature and Bluetooth capability for cell phones or Bluetooth enable audio players. Phone numbers can be stored and dialed through the unit’s touch panel, with incoming call numbers displayed.
Author: Diana Kostigen, Marketing/Public Relations Director, Comtec
