Launching in November2009, a new communication campaign by Pioneer Australia for its latest AVIC in-car range, will target driver distraction as a key issue for motorists today.
Combining an intuitive touch-screen navigation system with hands-free Bluetooth mobile phone control, AM/FM radio, CD playback, leading iPod/iPhone connectivity, as well as a reversing safety camera option on two models, Pioneer’s AVIC range not only replaces your car stereo, but also significantly minimizes driver distraction triggered by technology in the car.
The news comes as State Government’s around the country crack down on driver distractions, including motorists using their mobile phones illegally whilst driving, as well as the distraction of operating a portable MP3 player and GPS system in the car.
“Pioneer is one hundred percent supportive of new laws initiated by State Governments to limit driver distractions, particularly for learner drivers. Our AVIC series provides a legal, safe option for motorists wanting navigation assistance, as well as Bluetooth mobile phone control and musical entertainment in the car. Driving around and operating a mobile phone from your lap or in your hand is distracting and extremely dangerous. Every year, many serious and fatal road accidents are caused by motorists dangerously using their mobile phone whilst driving,” says Paul Baddeley, head of product planning for the mobile electronics group at Pioneer Electronics Australia.
While the focus at the moment appears to be on mobile phones, portable GPS and MP3 devices can be just as distracting.
“Not only does a Pioneer AVIC unit offer built-in navigation with control of mobile phones and MP3 players via the one touch-screen, but it’s also installed into a position inside the car, where drivers are used to controlling the in-car environment, the dashboard,” added Baddeley.
The new communication campaign from Pioneer will incorporate print and web Ads, as well as a consumer educational video on the AVIC range, demonstrating safety features, such as hands-free Bluetooth control and the optional reversing camera. The video will feature on the Pioneer website, as well as being promoted in-store and on other websites.
Key AVIC Features
Touch-screen navigation: Equipped with a touch screen display, 2GB of flash memory and 2D or 3D mapping, the fast and easy-to-use AVIC range features voice guidance directions and text-to-speech technology that enables the unit to provide verbal prompts to specific street names. Never get caught up in traffic again thanks to live traffic assistance via the SUNA traffic channel on two models.
Utilising SUNA traffic management, the AVIC unit will automatically calculate your route, whilst taking into account the traffic conditions, such as accidents or peak hour traffic. Live traffic incidents around you are displayed on the screen with audio and visual prompts given to avoid traffic on route. However, before you even depart for your destination, the AVIC-F10BT will provide you with six different route paths, detailing the different travel distance and time for each route.
Hands-free Bluetooth mobile phone control: The AVIC range is equipped with built-in Bluetooth for convenient and safe wireless connection, using a Parrot Bluetooth phone interface. Motorists can answer and make phone calls without touching any part of the phone. In fact the phone could be sitting in a handbag or suit jacket stored in the boot. All conversations are clearly relayed through your car’s speakers. Under new laws by the Victorian State Government, mobile phone use whilst driving will only be permitted if the phone is in a commercially designed holder and the driver does not need to touch any part of the phone to receive a call (by using Bluetooth or a similar technology). Victoria first banned the use of hand-held mobile phones while driving in 1988; NSW followed in 1989, followed by other States and Territories.
How do I listen and control my digital music collection? The AVIC fulfils the high-quality audio and convenience expected from Pioneer with enhanced playback of MP3, WMA and iTunes AAC music files. The USB interface located at the rear of the unit provides a connection to compatible portable media devices including thumb drives, flash memory devices, and iPod/iPhone music players.
Music files on compatible iPods/iPhones can be accessed quickly using various methods including:
• Alphabetical Speed Search - users can scroll through their music lists by the first letter in the name.
• Link Search – users can recall similar content to what is currently playing by artist, album and genre.
• Passenger Control - allows passengers to directly control the iPod/iPhone device.