For most of us, being “connected” is just expected.
But when you’re behind the wheel of a vehicle, your connection should be with the road ahead.
Since its beginning, our Uconnect systems have offered options to help drivers stay focused on the road. In honor of Distracted Driving Awareness Month, we put together six of the ways Uconnect helps you keep your hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road.
Note that many of the hands-free features below are available through Bluetooth pairing. Uconnect was the first in-vehicle system to give owners the ability to pair their mobile devices with their vehicle’s system. We’ve offered it since 2003.
1. Do Not Disturb
Starting with 2016 vehicles, owners who prefer not to be interrupted with phone calls or text messages while driving can choose to turn on the “Do Not Disturb” and/or “Reply with Text Message” feature. This brief video below gives you the details.
2. Voice Command
Available on most Uconnect systems, the Uconnect Voice Command feature enables hands-free selection of voice navigation destinations, radio stations and satellite radio channels, as well as allowing drivers to find the nearest Starbucks and to record memos.
3. Steering Wheel Audio Controls
Prefer driving with your hands at 9 and 3? You will find radio tuning at your fingertips – on the right and left side. Changing the volume, finding your favorite audio source or jumping between presets is a quick tap or push of a button.
ParkView® rear back-up camera gives drivers a clear view of what’s behind them without turning around.
4. Rear Back-Up Camera
Want to see exactly what’s happening behind your vehicle without leaving your seat? On select Uconnect systems, you will get the full view with the rear back-up camera. There’s no need to take your eyes off of what’s ahead to view what is behind your vehicle.
5. Siri Eyes Free
Owners with an Apple iPhone 4s or later can use Siri Eyes Free, which allows drivers to simply speak natural language voice commands to send text messages, play music, set reminders, check your calendar and access turn-by-turn directions. Drivers will simply push and hold the voice recognition button on the steering wheel until the Siri screen appears on the 8.4-inch touch screen and they can hear the audible tone.
6. Voice Texting
Uconnect also helps drivers keep their hands on the wheel and their eyes on the road with the Voice Texting feature. Drivers can use their voice to dictate a free-form text message and send the message with a Bluetooth Message Access Profile-enabled (MAP) device using cloud-based voice recognition.
What it all adds up to is while being connected has become an essential part of our lives, when we’re driving it’s best to be dis-connected…from distraction.
