Tao Oliveto, Carrboro

It had to happen, I suppose. While the debate continues over the risks of driving and phoning, a few states have made cell phone use while driving illegal. Where there is yin, there is yang, so a campaign has popped up right alongside this issue that claims we can techno-lize ourselves into safe driving without giving up our joy of “staying connected”. It’s not a headset - that’s old news and has proven not to minimize the risks.

This is different. Well, sort of. It’s call ZoomSafer, with a tag line of, “we don’t let friends drive distracted”. It’s “mobile software that helps you drive safely, have fun, and stay connected”. You can download it for free since the inventors explain that their goal is to prevent distracted driving for everyone. This is how it works:

• Activates automatically when driving
• Reminds you to be safe
• Applies preferences to manage communications
• Suppresses unwanted alerts
• Optionally inform friends, family, co-workers, and social networks when you’re driving
• Enables voice-based text and email messaging

I’m not sure what to think. Can automated reminders and these other features really make me pay attention to the road? First, they are admitting that talking on your phone while driving is not safe - in fact, that’s it’s one of the top safety issues in America (see video). Then they tell you you can not only talk, but you can transcribe texts, emails and tweets safely while on the road if you use this software. I’m more than confused, but if I hadn’t had my recent ephiphany, I’d probably believe it. That’s what really scares me.

It also makes me worried that our automated age has taken us into an irreversible downslide into addiction to distraction. The habits that keep us constantly occupied and entertained are the same habits that make us less healthy, less happy, and less aware. Add car accidents which can kill us and this adds up to a pretty sharp double-edged sword.