Can someone please tell me where the logic is? Great advertising or a bunch of random square dots on the back of a truck that, for most people, will mean absolutely diddly squat and, for others (those who know what they actually are), they won’t be able to scan it because they are too busy driving!
I can see the headline now:
QR Code Causes Motorway Pile-up
Motorway pileup when a driver took out his smartphone, pointed it at the QR code on the vehicle ahead lost control and veered across the lanes. 37 cars involved, 9 fatalities and 28 people in critical condition!
Then we will hear the news that QR codes have been banned from vehicles – just the way it should have been in the first place because it encourages people to be handling their mobile phone while driving?
“No it doesn’t” – I hear you say.
“Yes it does” – you hear me say.
Well, although the “sales pitch” (used by the vehicle sticker people – I’m sure there’s a technical term for it) will be “the objective is for passengers of other vehicles to scan or for drivers to use when the vehicle is stationary” the fact remains that, even though we have laws that say we should not use mobile phones while driving, we all know loads of people do and so do the bafoons who put QR codes on vehicles.
At the end of the day; it is rather silly.
Why not put the website address there and be done with it. A website address can be mentally noted, easily remembered, easily scribbled down at the next set of lights…
What Are QR Codes Used For?
QR codes do have some uses, but not (IMO) like this. Here’s a few things they can do when you point your device at them:
- Bring up your browser and go to a URL of a specific web page.
- Show you contact information – so why not print the darn info instead of the QR code.
- Link to an auto-follow on Twitter or other social network.
- Link to an auto-like on a Facebook fan page.
- Link directly to auto-like a business on Google Places.
These are uses I have read about but have not tried (I wrote about QR codes back in August 2011).
QR Codes on Vehicles are an accident waiting to happen…
I Always thought QR codes were a bonkers idea and this is even more reason to think that way. But, I’m all ears. What do you think?
Disclaimer: I did not witness a pile-up on the motorway. The headline used above is purely fictitious to make a point. It may never happen (cough). I also DO NOT encourage anyone to scan a QR code while driving a motor vehicle – or ever.
Thank you Sarah Hall for letting me use the photo!