Toyota Yaris Texting System Slammed By Safety Experts
Popular car manufacturer Toyota has been criticised by safety experts by announcing plans to introduce technology to enable motorists to send texts while driving. The new Toyota Yaris NI will be the first car in the UK equipped with the controversial technology. While alternative systems with preset messages such as ‘I’m driving, will reply later’ are already available, Toyota’s system will be more involved, allowing motorists to actually type unique messages via its Touch and Go multimedia screen.
The system eludes the mobile phone ban, which relates to only hand-held devices, however, safety experts are concerned it will still be a distraction to drivers. They believe that drivers will feel pressured to reply to texts simply because they have the ability to do so. While the system may be legal, drivers may risk breaking the law if they are not in proper control of the vehicle. Toyota claims that the motorist has to be responsible for their actions while driving, and the system is much safer than motorists texting using a mobile phone on their lap. While this may be true, any system that persuades drivers to take their concentration from the road should not be encouraged. In our mobile-dependent society, drivers will be obligated to use the system, particularly those on longer journeys when their phone is more likely to be contacted.
The system will be available on all new Toyota Yaris models, and will be rolled out across the rest of the Toyota group as the models are upgraded over the next few years.
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