Safety with E24|7: Why GPS hands-free

Do not talk on the phone while driving. Do not send messages, engage in WhatsApp conversations, or Candycrush when behind the wheel, say the safety messages.

We are even told not to put on make-up, brush our hair or fix our sheela when we are on the road and behind the wheel.

Yet, it is ok to follow instructions of a route finder or traffic related application on our mobile phone.

The Department of Transport in Abu Dhabi  DoT has picked up the potential danger and developed a system that can be used in the car in a safe manner.

In cooperation with Toyota, all new vehicles of this brand will be fitted with the technology, which is called Transport Information and Navigation Services, explained Fahad al Hammadi of the GIS section at the DoT.

The instructions will be displayed on a screen next to the wheel, accompanied by a voice over.

The system includes traffic accident notifications, traffic jams and route finding, he demonstrated.

"When there is a traffic accident ahead, it will notify the driver automatically. It will inform the driver where the accident has taken place and which alternative route is available."

The notification system is a new feature that is now available on all channels of the DoT application.

“The same feature is available on the updated smart app. However, we realised it is much safer if the driver does not have to open his phone, refresh the page and take his eyes off the road," said Anas al Marzouki, Project Manager.

The same logic applies to way finding, he explained. "This system functions as a GPS too. You describe where you want to go and the route will be outlined on the screen.  You do not have to take your eyes off the road.

“We have developed a channel where these features can be used without the smart phone.”

The system will only be applicable on Abu Dhabi roads and is yet to be launched.

However, it raises questions about the safety of many apps launched to support people on the road, such as route planners, traffic trackers, or parking space detectors.

"I use the route planner on Google maps when I go somewhere new. It does lead me to the right place, but it is sometimes stressful having to read from a small screen while driving," said Elizabeth Taylor, an American resident in Dubai.

"I know there is a voice instruction, but this is not always easy to understand with the intricate network of roads in the emirate.”

According to Syrian resident Anas Obeyd, it is difficult not to look at the route description when you are following instructions on your smartphone. “I keep it in my hand and look down every now and then. More than once this caused me a near hit with a car in front of me, especially when the road is congested.”

Having a system like this one available in the car will not only make travel safer, but also quicker, as we expect people to reach their destination faster,” said Al Marzouki.

“When people are better able to find their way, this will reduce traffic congestion on the road.”