Technology can stop distracted driving

We are finally concentrating on the killer subject of distracted driving. I shouldn’t have to define DD for you because you know you are guilty of it every day, and I am too. Well, anyway most of the attention regarding DD is directed to cellphones, but equally dangerous are such distractions as snacking, conversations, arguments, fingernail painting, trimming and other cosmetic attentions, and anything else that takes your eyes off the road for the briefest interval.

Time was, there were fewer cars on the road and the distance between them was greater but even then with higher allowable speeds there were far too many accidents. We were running about 50,000 highway deaths every year back then. Now I guess it is down to about 35,000. But we can do better.

So what is being done? New laws and increased enforcement along with publicity and education help, but the temptation to eat a sandwich or answer a phone while driving is sometimes too great to ignore.

So what is the answer? Well, first we must discipline ourselves to the idea that driving is a full-time job, but that is not enough. The minute you take your eyes off the road ahead you are potentially in trouble.

So there is your answer! It was so simple wasn’t it? It is called something called Visual Recognition Technology (VRT) or perhaps Facial Recognition Technology though I don’t dare to make an acronym of that one

The science is there. It can determine when your eyes or face veer off a designated area a few degrees. It can activate a signal. The signal may be an electric shock, a pin prick, a flashing light or a horn blast. You guys decide which is best. I did my part, now you do yours.

Don’t bother to thank me for saving your life. I just wanted to save my own.

Joseph Russell Vannier

Hoffman Estates