Can Smartphones Make Driving Safer?

By Rex Moore – Jul 17, 2013 at 9:32AM

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Safety is a huge issue with the connected car, but technology may save the day.

One trend you should be aware of as an investor is that of the "connected car". Your vehicle can connect with the outside world through a dedicated modem, such as General Motors' (GM 4.37%) 17-year-old OnStar service, or -- increasingly these days -- through your smartphone.

At the recent Connected Car Conference in New York City, Roger Lanctot of Strategy Analytics spoke about the role of smartphones and modems in the vehicle: Beside entertainment, they can help sell cars, route motorists, and facilitate commerce through various payment options for tolls, parking, etc. Done properly, a connected car even can save lives and make driving safer.

Our roving reporter Rex Moore attended the conference, and was able to speak to Roger about the role of the smartphone in the car. Today's video delves into how auto manufacturers are addressing the safety issue.

Rex Moore owns shares of Microsoft. The Motley Fool recommends Ford and General Motors. The Motley Fool owns shares of Ford and Microsoft. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.