Ford creates new feature to avoid reading text messages during a drive

PanARMENIAN.Net - Ford is installing a feature that can read text messages out loud in its new and many of its older vehicles.

The feature, which is intended to reduce texting while driving, is part of Ford’s voice-activated technology, Sync, and is already installed on all model 2012 Ford vehicles with the exception of the Ranger, Mashable reports.

Using a Bluetooth connection, it syncs with phones and alerts users when they receive text messages, reads them out loud and allows users to respond with a selection of standard pre-written messages without taking their hands off the wheel.Very soon it will be made available as an upgrade to Sync vehicles that are model 2010 or later.

In order to install the capability, owners can download the upgrade from the Ford Sync site onto a USB drive along with print-out instructions.

A 2009 study from the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute found that texting while driving increased the risk of a truck getting into an accident by more than 23 times. A 2007 Clemson University study found that text messaging and iPods caused drivers to leave their lane 10% more often during driving simulations.