Many people in Billings engage in multitasking every day to the point where some will brag about how many activities they can do at once. The advent of smartphones has made multi-tasking even more prevalent. However, there is one instance in which multi-tasking can be dangerous — while driving. Driving while trying to send or reply to a text message or other cell phone notification can cause a person to take his or her attention off the road, leading to a car accident.
This situation has been addressed in a new Apple patent application that has been published by the U.S. Patent Trademark Office. The purpose of the patented technology is to help users avoid texting and driving by reducing how many messages the driver receives on wearable Apple products such as the Apple Watch or the iPhone.
Under the new technology, when a person is wearing an Apple Watch, for example, the device would analyze the wearer’s motions to identify when the wearer is operating a motor vehicle. After that, the number of messages the wearer would receive on their Apple Watch would be reduced. In addition, the technology may even prevent wearers from responding to a message while they are driving by not accepting the wearer’s commands, and will wait until the wearer is no longer driving to notify the wearer what they missed.
This new technology reflects the fact that distracted driving is a serious issue that needs to be addressed. In fact, according to some studies, drivers who use their cell phones while operating a motor vehicle are just as dangerous as those who drive under the influence of alcohol. A number of states has recognized this danger and have passed laws that would impose fines on drivers who are texting or even holding a cell phone while driving.
Keep in mind, however, that just because a company files a patent doesn’t necessarily mean the new technology will come into fruition. Still, it is interesting to see how companies are addressing the issue of distracted driving. However, even if this new technology becomes available to the public, there will still be those who engage in texting and driving. Therefore, those who have been injured in accidents caused when another driver is texting and driving may want to learn more about pursuing compensation for the damages they suffered.
Source: tom’s guide, “Apple’s Latest Patent Could Stop Texting and Driving,” Don Reisinger, March 24, 2017
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