The Irish Motoring Writers Association (IMWA) - of which both Shane and Neil are members - will host an Automotive Forum on Friday, August 30 at the RDS in Ballsbridge. The topic for debate at the forum is whether or not advances in car technology are driving us to distraction.
"Driving is the single most dangerous activity we engage in on a daily basis," says Gerry Murphy, Chairman of the IMWA. "We say that safety is always paramount, but by loading cars with technology, are we reaching a tipping point in the level of distraction for drivers?"
The rush to provide motorists with all the trappings of the 'connected' world in which we live has seen more and more cars feature smartphone-like features such as the ability to Tweet, check Facebook updates and stream music from services such as Spotify. But are these services suitable for use while on the move?
Also with the rise of systems such as emergency city braking and adaptive cruise control are drivers paying less attention to the road and the driving conditions?
Both of these questions and a lot more besides will be discussed by expert speakers Dr Natasha Merat, Associate Professor at the University of Leeds-based Institute for Transport Studies; and Pim van der Jagt, head of Research and Development at Ford of Europe.
"Our expert speakers' discussion on this topic should be compelling listening for anyone interested in road safety or what is coming in automotive technologies," continues Mr Murphy.
The Forum is open to the public and aimed at those that are interested in car technology development, road safety, and companies from the motoring sector. Admission is free but advance registration is required. For further information send us a message via this page.
"With Tyre Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS) becoming obligatory on all new cars from next year, even tyres are not exempt from the onward march of new technologies in the car," says Tom Dennigan of the IMWA Forum sponsors, Continental Tyres Ireland. "I am sure the IMWA Forum will provide some fascinating insights into how increased levels of technology will impact on our driving."