New Cars Let You Check Facebook While Driving

04:36

June 10, 2011

Chevrolet Volts will soon feature MyLink, which allows drivers to use online services like Pandora internet radio via hands-free voice and touch-screen controls. Other technologies allow drivers to connect to Internet services, like Facebook. (courtesy: Emile Wamsteker, Chevrolet)

Here & Now Guest:

Paul Eisenstein, publisher of DetroitBureau.com

The car is becoming "the ultimate mobile device." Car makers are exploring technologies that let drivers do everything from update their Facebook pages to check their blood sugar levels. But how connected is too connected?

Paul Eisenstein of DetroitBureau.com says that car makers are responding to demand, with millennials wanting to be connected 24/7. But Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood is warning the auto industry to back off on adding "car apps" that will lead to more distracted drivers on the road.

YouTube: Chevy Cruze Facebook ad
University of Utah: Driving with cell phones as bad as drunk driving

This segment aired on June 10, 2011.