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Facebook while you drive?

It sounds like a social networker’s dream – the ability to update Facebook while you drive.

While fulfilling our need to network, we’re pretty sure this could end up with a status update reading “Steve.Smith - I’ve seen a crazy accident…which I caused. Anyone know the number of a tow truck?”

Nevertheless OnStar, a US cellular service, is developing a Facebook application that will allow drivers to update their profiles without ever taking their hands off the steering wheel.

The application works on system of voice-activated controls with OnStar adding news feeds which will be read out loud. OnStar also promises to create a voice-based texting system.

Drivers will be able to connect their smartphones to a built-in system located and activate the application via Bluetooth. This will enable text messages to be relayed back to drivers via speech synthesis and will allow users to verbally select preset responses.

We’re not sure how the words “Facebook” and “driving” will be picked up by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration which reported that in 2008 driver distraction was the cause of 16% of US car crashes.
 
However OnStar has emphasised “responsible connectivity” in its Facebook application campaign, with a slogan “eyes on the road, hands on the wheel, mind on the drive”.

Would you like to update your Facebook profile while you drive? Share your thoughts on OnStars application here!
 
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