The BMW Group campaign of DON’T TXT & DRIVE took a local turn last week when MINI USA presented the Woodcliff Lake, NJ Police Department with a specially emblazoned MINI Cooper hartop. President/CEO Jim O’Donnell handed the keys to Police Chief Anthony Jannicelli and Mayor Joseph LaPaglia who received the MINI on behalf of the Borough of Woodcliff Lake. “As a car company we value safe driving as much as we do having a safe community,†said Jim O’Donnell. “All of us in BMW Group believe strongly in DON’T TXT & DRIVE, and this MINI will carry that message wherever it goes and be a powerful reminder of a serious issue.â€
“This vehicle drives home a critical point,†said Woodcliff, NJ Lake Police Chief Anthony Jannicelli. “A driver taking his eyes off the road for five seconds at 60 miles per hour to just read a text message travels the length of football field essentially with his eyes closed.â€
BMW of North America (and now MINI USA) has been in the Woodcliff Lake community since 1989. This newest Woodcliff Lake police vehicle went into service immediately after the presentation and will be used for local community service programs of the police department.
<p>That’s ironic – Mini connect – Facebook, Twitter and RSS – but don’t text and drive. Sends a mixed message IMO. As I’ve posted previously – those 3 elements of Mini Connect should be removed. I guess it might semi ok and I stress “might” be ok if the engine was off (and not via start-stop mode) and park set. Any other time no. Besides I still don’t get the need for people to Tweet or facebook or what ever else while operating a vehicle. It’s not needed. Just drive and control the vehicle (and pay attention to what’s going on the road).</p>
<p>While bluetooth hands-free for cell phones is a good idea, I question the wisdom of offering any further communication goodies in a car that are accessible/usable while driving. Someday, someone might wrap him/her-self around a tree whilst texting on a car’s communication system, and the manufacturer will be facing a nasty product liability suit. (Ever seen the product warnings on common household appliances?? [e.g. “Do not use blowdryer while asleep.”] Those warnings are usually there b/c there was a lawsuit about the issue at one point.
Not sure MINI Connect is usable while the car is moving, but if it is, MINI might want to rethink this option. Just sayin’.</p>
<p>Yeah, the Facebook and all else should be restricted to a parked car, like those factory DVD players that turn the video off as soon as the car is put in drive.</p>
<p>Don’t txt and drive, and buy MINI Connect! ;)</p>
<p>Matt</p>
<blockquote>Don’t txt and drive, and buy MINI Connect! 😉
Matt</blockquote>
<p>Twitter and FB updates while driving should be OK, then :)</p>
<p>That’s ironic – Mini connect – Facebook, Twitter and RSS – but don’t text and drive. Sends a mixed message IMO. As I’ve posted previously – those 3 elements of Mini Connect should be removed. I guess it might semi ok and I stress “might” be ok if the engine was off (and not via start-stop mode) and park set. Any other time no. Besides I still don’t get the need for people to Tweet or facebook or what ever else while operating a vehicle. It’s not needed. Just drive and control the vehicle (and pay attention to what’s going on the road).</p>
<p>While bluetooth hands-free for cell phones is a good idea, I question the wisdom of offering any further communication goodies in a car that are accessible/usable while driving. Someday, someone might wrap him/her-self around a tree whilst texting on a car’s communication system, and the manufacturer will be facing a nasty product liability suit. (Ever seen the product warnings on common household appliances?? [e.g. “Do not use blowdryer while asleep.”] Those warnings are usually there b/c there was a lawsuit about the issue at one point.
Not sure MINI Connect is usable while the car is moving, but if it is, MINI might want to rethink this option. Just sayin’.</p>
<p>actual warning on my blowdryer</p>
<p>I’m right there with you, Matt. Could not agree more.</p>
<p>Rather ironic for sure for a company that is bringing more and more into a car to distract the driver lol.</p>
<p>Yeah, the Facebook and all else should be restricted to a parked car, like those factory DVD players that turn the video off as soon as the car is put in drive.</p>