Apple is facing a potential lawsuit for not using its technology to stop users from sending out SMS while driving. The tech giant is capable of actually doing so but didn't act on it at all.
Apple faces class action lawsuit over texting while driving. A certain Julio Ceja filed the charges on Tuesday in a Los Angeles County Superior Court. He sais that the device has the ability to lock users out from accessing the iPhone's messaging app while driving but didn't do so.
The complaint wants the tech giant to stop the sale of iPhones in the California area that do not have the ability to lock users out of texting while driving. In addition, the company is required to update all current iPhones to include a lockout feature.
Ceja had sustained injuries when he was unexpectedly rear-ended by a driver while at a stoplight. The driver who rear-ended Ceja was allegedly using an iPhone at the time of the accident.
Ceja's attorneys cite evidence that indicates Apple owning a patent for technology that disables handheld devices such as smartphones using a "motion analyzer" and "scenery analyzer". The patent is documented as US Patent No. 8706143. They also claim that the company's inaction to activate the patented technology is a violation of the consumer protection laws of California.
Jonathan Michaels of MLG Automotive Law stated, "The relationship consumers have with their phones is just too great, and the ability to slide under the eye of the law is just too easy. Embedding lock-out devices is the only solution."
When approached for comments on the matter, Ceja's attorneys' confirmed that they are seeking to stop the sale of all iPhones in California until the tech giant installs a lock-out feature on them to prevent accidents of a similar nature from happening in the future. Apple was also sought out for comments but has not returned with a response. The Cupertino-based tech giant is also facing a similar lawsuit involving a young girl killed by someone using FaceTime while driving.
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