Safety concerns already being raised about Apple’s recently announced CarPlay

Apple’s recently announced CarPlay is basically the company’s rebranding of iOS in the Car which was unveiled last year. For those who missed our recent coverage, it basically sees a form of iOS integrated into a vehicle’s infotainment unit where they will be able to pull up features such as Maps, Phone, Music, and more. However not everyone is sold on CarPlay and in a recent statement made by David Teater, he has expressed his concerns on CarPlay and possible future innovations by other companies.

Apple is making it easier than ever to use your iPhone in the car. Some auto safety experts think that’s not such a good idea. The tech giant’s new “CarPlay” system allows drivers to make hands-free calls, dictate text messages, and access a number of other iPhone functions; in other words, a lot of potential distractions. “We’re very, very concerned about it,” said David Teater, senior director at the nonprofit National Safety Council. “The auto industry and the consumer electronics industry are really in an arms race to see how we can enable drivers to do stuff other than driving.” Apple (AAPL, Fortune 500) unveiled the system at the Geneva Auto Show this week, and the first CarPlay-equipped vehicles will debut later this year from Volvo, Ferrari and Mercedes-Benz.