Comments on: MINI Connected App is a Bad Bad Bad Thing

By: TheSmokingTire

TheSmokingTire — Mon, 28 Jan 2013 03:14:00 +0000

Some people are responsible drivers, but MANY are not. If people cant wait until its safe to text, I don’t think they will be smart about using these systems. – Zack

By: Soundzilla

Soundzilla — Mon, 28 Jan 2013 00:50:06 +0000

I have a MINI with MINI Connected. I've used the Facebook and Twitter and Foursquare functions. The responsibility for using this system falls on the driver. People once thought cup holders would be a driver distraction if they put them in cars. Drivers must always keep safety in mind first whenever they are behind the wheel. Eyes on the road, hands on the wheel. A driver could just as easily be distracted by bikini-clad women walking down a sidewalk but we don't trash-talk the bikini. Well, some do but I don't.

By: Zack

Zack — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 01:08:57 +0000

Edited for clarity.

By: Zack

Zack — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 01:04:58 +0000

Precisely.

By: e36

e36 — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 15:24:12 +0000

@Dean: I don't interpret this article the same way you do. No the Mini did not swerve into a guardrail or hit a curb, the driver did. What has occurred is the manufacturer's are putting features in place that have the potential to distract a driver to an extent of which they are not paying enough attention to what is going on around them. Changing a radio station (looking down to the radio) is considered a distraction as noted in the research above and manufacturers for the most part have addressed this issue with adding toggles on the steering wheel in efforts to minimize the distraction. What I dont know here with Mini is if they have added any safety features to this social networking option on the car (i.e. cant reply from the car or car needs to be stopped to reply- not my favorite option by far but better than a reply at 70 mph down the highway)

By: e36

e36 — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 15:22:20 +0000

I agree with this article as it points out how we as a society have cheapened the reality and responsibility of driving a car. Our recent fatality reports indicate cars are getting safer (which is great) and less fatalities on the road. The small side effect of this is that driving cars are no longer viewed as a responsible action to ensure the safety of you, your passengers or drivers around you. By adding social features to the car, you are cheapening the responsibility you have to yourself and fellow motorists to pay attention to what is going on around you.

By: Incalcable

Incalcable — Sat, 10 Dec 2011 00:42:30 +0000

Where does it say that mini connected has caused thousands of accidents? Do you work for MINI? If so, tell them that they have been BLOWING IT for the last 5 years. Thank you.

By: Zack

Zack — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 22:25:23 +0000

Alrighty then.
1. No it hasn't caused thousands of accidents. perhaps I should have used future tense but I assume because the product is so new, readers would assume I was making a prediction. No, Connect hasn't caused 1000s of accidents, but I bet it will. That's why I cited the neurological study on distraction. The math is like this: If distracted driving causes accidents, and MINI Connect fits into the definition of distracted driving, then it will cause accidents. A=B B=C so A=C. We are simultaneously defining distracted driving as anything that takes your brain's attention away from the road, yet also inventing new technology that does just that. Do you not see the issue there?

2. I don't own a mini. Never have. I have also never crashed a car. I am not blaming anyone for anything. This comes from a place of genuine concern. I believe in our rush to provide a constant connection to our social world, people have forgotten driving takes some focus.

3. As is clear from the THOUSANDS of comments below yours, my article offended hundreds of people, and that assumption you pointed out has confused and infuriated world leaders everywhere. My apologies to ALL of …..you.

By: Dean

Dean — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 19:48:38 +0000

Wait a minute…. MINI connected has caused thousands of accidents? Is this fact. I kind of doubt this. This is probably the stupidest, worst article on Mini I have ever read.
My guess is the writer F'd up and smashed his Mini. And- as the american culture seems to be in the last 20+ years, none of you can't take responsibility for your own actions and need to blame somebody or something else.
Nothing but irresponsible reporting with this article…