When Ford and Microsoft collaborated in 2007 to create the SYNC system for cars, it was seen as a technological achievement: a car with a small computer system inside.  Three years later, Ford and Microsoft installed their two-millionth car with the system.  The rate of which the systems are installed is staggering.  Ford and Microsoft reached the two million mark one year after reaching the one million mark.

But could these achievements be leading to more car accidents due to distracted driving?

Ford and Microsoft have installed the two-millionth car with the SYNC system. Are there too many electronics when it comes to automobiles? (SOURCE: www.autoblog.com)

Our car accident lawyers know that there can be benefits to a system such as this, but with all of the car accidents that are caused by drivers on their cell phone and driving while using other electronic devices, systems like SYNC could potentially cause car accidents that are a result of distracted driving.

While we haven’t personally encountered any car accidents that are caused by a driver using Microsoft’s SYNC system, that doesn’t mean it won’t happen.  When you’re driving, you need to be 100% aware of everything around you.  Taking your eyes off the road for one second can cause a car accident that can lead to personal injuries or wrongful death.

No matter the potential risk, Ford has said that customer feedback has been very positive.  About 80 percent of potential customers say SYNC improves the company’s image, and another 70 percent say it makes them more likely to buy a Ford.  Ford also says about 87 percent of customers who use SYNC are satisfied with how it works, and 88 percent would recommend the purchase of a vehicle with SYNC to others.

“The success of SYNC proves that customers want to be connected,” said Ford vice president of U.S. Marketing, Sales and Service.  “The speed with which we’ve hit the 2 million mark, the premium SYNC adds at auction, and the improvements in purchase consideration show that it is a true differentiator for us, adding real value for the customer.”

SYNC does have its benefits with some of its features.  For example, 911 Assist can place a call directly to a local 911 emergency operator if a car accident happens involving an air bag deploying or if the emergency fuel pump shutoff goes off in some vehicles.  Traffic, Directions and Information (TDI), another app for SYNC, delivers personalized traffic reports and directions.

Our car accident lawyers in San Diego believe there are practical uses for the SYNC technology, but we do fear that too many electronics are being fused with automobiles these days.  Computers have bugs and glitches, and it’s important for automakers to think about what they are putting in cars that can be potentially dangerous for drivers.

Please contact us for a FREE consultation with an experienced San Diego car accident attorney — we speak both English and Spanish — at (800) 655-6585.  Click here and you may also submit your case for a Free Review.   No fee if no recovery.