I ran across this article about the features of new cars these days.  Cyclists are not even mentioned, but the implications for our future, with millions of drivers tapping away at their colorful digital screens instead of watching the road...are frightening!  The old push-button radios, heaters and lights could be operated with your eyes on the road; these big dashboard screens require full attention:

°  For instance, many new cars have touch screens on the dashboards with menus just like smartphones, iPods, computers...one use of the screens is operating the radio....

°  Same thing with [built-in cameras displaying rear-view or right-turn pictures] on your dashboard . You remove your attention from everything outside in order to focus on your screen showing a very small area.  Right-hook anyone?

°  Don’t forget traffic update texts sent to smartphones. Do the senders really believe drivers read the text updates only when parked somewhere?

°  That big GPS map moving down the screen?  Even if it’s talking to you [the tendency is to glance at that map.  And] your attention still is not on the road.

It is ridiculous to worry about hands-free cell phone violations...when such technologies are sweeping the auto industry.  Redouble your efforts to stay safe out there!