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by acyou 291 days ago
That is too funny. So we crash the car while distracted, filming the demo for AI powered voice email we do during our commute, and "Judges love the demo". Pretty funny when nobody gets hurt, not so funny when we rear end a family of 4 or injure a pedestrian.

It's a controversial story, generates buzz. But as usual, the human cost seems to fall by the wayside along the way. You need brainpower to process email, right? Can people really drive properly while trying to focus on something else? Seems like the answer is instantly no, and they are still in YC. Makes me a little sick.
2 comments
conductr 291 days ago
I think the funny part is they continue on promoting the service as something you can do while you drive after having failed at it. Plenty of value in the service, but the while you drive part would have been something I kept to myself after having had an accident doing it
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borski 291 days ago
You need brainpower to process music, right? Can people really drive properly while trying to focus on something else, like the radio? Or a podcast? Or a phone call with another actual human being over Bluetooth?
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dghlsakjg 291 days ago
Frequently no. They can’t do those things well.

We have the data to prove it.

Do I really need to spell out that just because we have normalized some bad behavior that we shouldn’t do more of it?

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borski 291 days ago
Okay. As another argument, hands-free ADAS systems are becoming more and more prevalent, and also assist in this issue.
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jwilber 291 days ago
Another argument for what, exactly?
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dirkc 290 days ago
I love having deep conversations with fellow passengers while driving long distances. I've never felt like it distracted me while driving. I'd be curious to see any research to the contrary.

My hunch is that the moment some form of technology gets involved there is some form of interaction that has a detrimental impact. Maybe pushing a button or glancing at a screen or something else?

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ggus 290 days ago
adults passengers can adapt the conversation to your needs, keeping quiet and even helping with decisions. screens, kids, dogs, people on the phone, etc can't do that
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