Texting while driving is a major problem today, and I think it's pretty clear people aren't going to quit doing it. You can blast people with all the ads and commercials and statistics you want, but let's admit it, people won't stop doing it unless there's a better alternative.

So, here's my idea: what if car manufacturers actually took a step backwards with technology and abandoned Bluetooth connectivity in vehicles?

I envision a car where there's a dock for your iPhone in the steering wheel. The car would have very good integration with iOS, but only if the phone is docked. Once the phone's removed, turn-by-turn goes off, your music stops, and Siri is gone.

Would this be enough to get people to stop texting & driving?

I really hate when I see somebody on their phone while driving. But I don't think inviting people into putting their iPod on the steering wheel is feasible. Unless it can be something like breathalyzer that can be installed on most cars. Because statistically it's those who are new at driving that text whole driving. And they don't typically have the newest cars. But I agree that it's cat manufactures that should start. A device that installs like a breathalyzer that will force your phone into airplane mode may be a good start. At least for people who have received tickets of course. This in turn will also discourage this behavior. Because there's a direct and effective consequence. Not just a fine.

I've also seen plenty of adults in fancy cars pecking away at their phone while behind the wheel. I agree young people are mostly the problem, but they aren't all of it.

The problem will never be stopped completely, but the basis of my idea was just to come up with a reasonable alternative that might convince people to drive more safely. I'd love to drive a car with tight iOS & Siri integration and I'd even give up physically using my phone while I drive for something like that, as I'm sure many others would.

It just seems to me that Bluetooth integration almost *encourages* drivers to interact with their phones. Maybe it's time for manufacturers to start helping to solve this problem.

Of course not just teens text while dribing. But like the tobacco industry we need to hit the younger generation.

Tightt iOS integration seems bias and shortsighted. Specially now with its popularity going down. (But that's another subject )

Exactly how would you envision the integration to be? What would you do with it? Wouldn't it be very near impossible to come up with an exciting experience that wouldn't conflict with your driving?

I've imagined this integration to be centered around Siri, which is why I suggested a dock in the steering wheel. The only thing on the screen would be a large pink/purple microphone button, just like what's currently on iOS. Nothing else comes up on the screen; anything beyond that is distracting.

Having the phone on the steering wheel puts the microphone close enough for the driver's voice to be picked up clearly, and also makes it easy to tap the screen because it's so close to the driver's hands.

Limiting this just to iOS is shortsighted, yes, but it makes it easier to think about the concept. This idea would require Apple partnering with manufacturers to develop, not just the manufacturers themselves. i.e. an Apple + BMW partnership.