A report in the LA Times and on ZDNet.com explains that Chrysler will offer Wi-Fi service via their UConnect web service in many of next year’s Dodge, Chrysler, and Jeep models. The system will cost around $500 plus a $30 dollar monthly fee. The price tag is a little steep but may be worth it to get download speeds of up to 800 kb per second while driving 70 Mph down the highway.

Usually I regard greater internet connectivity as unambiguously good progress towards more efficiency and productivity, but this raises my eyebrows a bit. Chrysler explains that the service is only for passengers or for the driver when the vehicle isn’t moving, but I think we all know that the temptation will be too great for many. The horror stories about drivers distracted while talking/ texting on cell phones or fiddling with GPS units are enough to make me sick. These accidents happen while being distracted by a mere cell phone. Imagine what could happen if people are distracted by work, Ebay, Facebook, and Youtube. Continue…