Meet the Honda Accord and meet a safer way to use technology on the road.

The push to get drivers handsfree and off their phones while behind the wheel is seeing car makers include features like bluetoothin all new models.  Distracted driving, mostly cellphone use, is now the third most common cause of traffic fatalities  on B.C. roads.

This fall, police have stepped up enforcement and the crack down on distracted drivers in the lower mainland.  Common hot spots like highways and bridge entrances and even hiding out in gas stations along major intersections have seen police dashing out with $167 fines.

Carmakers are hoping their new handsfree technology will help drivers focus on the road while answering calls.  But what about drivers who can’t go a trip without answering texts, emails or for those of us who rely on our GPS systems?  Should there be more tools added or taken away from new vehicles?

Chris Foord is the chairman of the Capital  Regional District’s Traffic Safety Commission.  He says while technology can help us, it’s also a no brainer on when and how much of it to use while driving.   “Technology in the last 15 years  has come along with a number of devices which are wonderful aids in our  lifestyles, however they pose risks when – combined with driving.  I think the bottom line here is driving is not the time to be  multi-tasking.”

We took a trip to Surrey Honda.  One of the first dealerships to see the arrival of 2013 models.  With a keen interest in discovering just how teched out the newest edition of their cars are, the concern of too much technology was a question begging to be answered.

1.  Navigation systems usually come standard but also mean twice the buttons and displays are required.

Honda solved the problem with an 8 inch, LCD screen for all 2013 Accords.  Touch screen means fewer buttons and easier to use along with a jog dial. The LCD screen is placed at the top of the dashboard, standard at all trims. Models without navigation use that display to show phone and stereo information.

4.  Better steering.  Refined electric power-steering system for the new Accord helps make the steering feel linear making it light and easy to turn.

5.  Camera for a side mirror.  Making parking easier and safer first started with one camera in the back for backing up and out of parking spots and garages without running over toys or shopping carts.  Honda now has added more cameras in their new blind-spot monitoring system, called LaneWatch. Unlike other automakers, Honda puts a camera in the right side so you can parallel park like a pro!

The good news is that Honda is putting LaneWatch in lower-trim models as well.  It’s nice to see that some of this technology will become or already is standard in all levels of cars.  Options everyone can enjoy regardless of their budgets.

6. Bluetooth phone system is one of those options that is standard in all Honda models and a necessity.  Once you experience handsfree answering at the touch of a button on your steering wheel – you won’t mind if the cell phone is buried in your work bag.  No more digging around or panicking while driving.  Oh and no more tickets for illegal use.

7.  USB port for iPod and USB drives. You can listen to music on your phone or use apps thanks to the new HondaLink service.  It also comes standard in all EX-L and Touring trim sedans, and in the EX and EX-L Coupes. HondaLink uses the driver’s own smartphone as its data connection.

Overall conclusion – yes the shiney new tech features are awesome but some carmakers were smart enough to make it safer to use as well.  Honda actually reduced the number of buttons on its steering wheel and dashboard.  Now it’s up to drivers to judge for themselves while driving, how much multi-tasking they should be doing.   Carmakers will agree, drivers should always pull over in safe areas when in need of using features such as maps to find locations.

(Photo credits:  Honda)