10 Safe Ways to Use the Internet in Your Car

As we become more dependent on the internet to keep us connected to the things that are important to us, considerations must be made for the safety of ourselves, our passengers and those sharing the road. If you can’t bear to be disconnected during a long commute, here are a few tips for using the internet safely while in the car.

1. Pull Over – The simplest way to keep in-car internet use safe is to pull over. Many automakers are rolling out web-browsing capability in their newest models, but most of the more distracting features are only available when the vehicle is in park.
2. There’s An App For That – Mobile connectivity is always at the tips of your fingers with an iPhone or Android powered smartphone, and most of these phones have apps available that keep internet use safe while driving. Apps that allow the user to compose text messages, Facebook status updates and tweets via speech-recognition technology make it easy and safe to stay connected on the go.
3. In-Dash Systems – An in-dash internet system is predicted to be a standard feature in new vehicles within the next five years. These fully integrated systems come equipped with safety features that make choosing a restaurant while at a stop-light or finding the nearest gas station a breeze.
4. Carpool – In addition to being an earth-friendly choice, carpooling allows passengers to safely use in-car connectivity to their hearts’ content while the driver focuses on the road.
5. Listening To Internet Radio – Scanning internet radio stations offers a huge selection of music at the tap of a screen. No more dangerous than using a traditional radio while driving, the world of music is opened up with online radio.
6. Online Navigation Systems – Navigation and GPS systems that run on a broadband signal rather than a satellite one can be more accurate, which actually boosts the safety of using these devices. More accidents may be avoided by eliminating slow or inaccurate flow of navigation information.
7. Driver’s Assistance Tools – Web-based warning systems can alert drivers to traffic problems and other driving hazards ahead audibly, eliminating the need for hands-on browsing and increasing safety.
8. Weather Updates – In addition to navigation and traffic hazard alerts, there are applications available for in-car use that warn of severe weather along an itinerary audibly. These features are especially useful for long roadtrips where drivers may encounter several changes in weather along the route.
9. Text-To-Speech Email – Drivers anxiously awaiting an important email can now have incoming messages read to them through in-dash systems or an enabled smartphone. Instead of scrambling with a phone and taking your eyes of the road, you’ll be able to stay on top of your inbox without taking your hands off of the wheel.
10. Smartphone Linking Systems – Systems that link the in-car computer with a smartphone via wireless network bring all of the bells and whistles of your phone to the dash, making it a snap to safely access stored music and compose messages through speech recognition.

However you choose to stay connected in the car, be sure to adhere to all local laws regarding phone/device usage while in motion and to restrict all use in hazardous conditions. Even the safest systems can be a distraction, especially in inclement weather or in construction zones.

Taken From Phone TV Internet