A study by GM shows only 45 percent of its customers are using features built into the car allowing handsfree calling.
A study by GM subsidiary OnStar shows that only 45 percent of owners of its cars are pairing their phones with their vehicle’s Bluetooth system
“What we’re learning is that many customers simply do not understand the technology, or they’re confused by how to pair their cell phone to a Bluetooth device,” said OnStar President Chris Preuss. “It’s about both educating the customer and alleviating technical challenges.”
OnStar analyzed random, anonymous data collected from thousands of vehicles. GM says that customers are either unaware of the feature or believe connecting and using Bluetooth to be too difficult a process.
To help, GM has launched a new Web site, www.gm.com/handsfree, to provide clear instructions on how to pair specific devices. Besides using Bluetooth to connect, most GM cars also allow vehicle owners to use OnStar Hands-Free Calling.
“There’s no question that cellular device use in the vehicle is and will continue to be one of the biggest safety challenges facing society,” Preuss said. “Technology will play a key role in mitigating this impact, but we cannot over-assume engagement just because we provide the capability. This education and awareness campaign is designed to encourage use of hands-free technology.”
Bluetooth allows users to connect their mobile device to their vehicle and place and receive calls using steering wheel controls and voice recognition. The vehicle audio system allows users to hear the call through the speakers and respond using the built-in microphone. Once a phone is paired with Bluetooth, a customer’s mobile device will automatically connect to the vehicle when the ignition is turned on.
Most cars sold today offer Bluetooth as standard equipment or as an option.
OnStar Hands-Free Calling allows OnStar subscribers to make calls from their vehicle using voice-activated dialing. Subscribers simply press the white phone icon button to dial a number by saying the number aloud or to answer an incoming call. Because of its externally mounted antennae, Hands-Free Calling offers better reception and fewer dropped calls in remote areas and pockets of limited cellular reception, GM said.
The issue of Distracted Driving causing more than 5,000 deaths annually still remains whether the driver is using a hand-free or hand-held cell phone.
In addition to Ken’s point, many drivers simply do not understand and know how to use the technology in new vehicles of today. As has been said, the owner’s manual is the most unread book in the world and further efforts by all OEM’s, such as GM’s website mentioned in this story, are necessary. The degree of education at new vehicle delivery needs to change.