A yet more distracted driver coming at you soon...

It is a well established fact that an average of 40,000 people are killed every year in car accidents, each year, with little year-to-year variation, since the early 1970's, when the statistics first started being tracked (source: Wikipedia). And that number has remained steady in spite of safety improvements in cars, like air bags.

So, it's distressing to learn from today's New York Times that Intel and Google are hoping to bring internet features to the front seat of the car. Apparently, they see opportunities for profit by making drivers yet more distracted, and by creating conditions that will kill more drivers, cyclists and pedestrians.

Here's the article:

From the New York Times:
DRIVEN TO DISTRACTION

Despite Risks, Internet Creeps Onto Car Dashboards

By ASHLEE VANCE and MATT RICHTEL
Published: January 7, 2010

Even as concerns rise about technology distractions for drivers, automakers are rapidly bringing PC features to the dashboard.

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/01/07/technology/07distracted.html


Join Transportation Alternatives or the League of American Bicyclists today.  And let your congressman/woman know what you think of this.

And get a rear view mirror, and additional and brighter front and rear lights.  I have some good ones that are far superior to those you are probably seeing at your local bike shop.

Best,
Robert

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Robert Matson
New York City Recumbent Supply (TM)
The Innovation Works, Inc.
copyright 2010 Robert Matson