Automobiles, digital technology and safety: It's complicated
Driving while distracted - especially sending or receiving text messages behind the wheel, aka "driving while intexticated" - is really, really dangerous, research shows. Yet technological advances are providing increasing opportunities for distraction, even if they're not intended for the driver's use while a vehicle is under way and may even contribute to a safer ride.
A new University of Utah study released Monday provides more fuel for the conviction that sending and receiving text messages while driving affects concentration and reaction times. However, more potential digital distractions lie down the road - as shown by another Monday announcement: Ford Motor said its second-generation Sync service will turn cars into rolling WiFi hotspots in 2010.
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