DOT releases distraction guidelines for automakers

At DOT, we have been working hard for three years to get America's drivers to put away their electronic devices when they get behind the wheel.  During that time, in-vehicle communication systems--another source of driver distraction--have emerged and grown ever more popular.

As an organization focused on safety, including safety on our roadways, we want to make sure these new systems don't take eyes or hands away from the only task that matters when you're in the driver's seat: driving safely.

So today we proposed the first-ever federal guidelines to encourage automobile manufacturers to limit the distraction risk for these in-vehicle electronic devices.  The proposed guidelines are voluntary and would apply to communications, entertainment, information gathering, and navigation devices or functions that are built into the vehicle and are not required to safely operate the vehicle.

The guidelines we've proposed in this first phase are based on common sense, and we're asking automakers to exercise their own common sense as they design these systems.

For example, we've asked manufacturers to reduce the complexity and time it takes to complete a task on these systems and to limit the amount of manual input required for device operation. We're also recommending that these systems do not enable drivers to browse the internet or social media when the car is in motion or in gear.

We've had a productive history of working with automakers to keep the focus on safety, and voluntary guidelines like those issued today can be very effective.  For example, Americans benefited when we issued safety recommendations about matching the front end structural elements of light trucks and SUVs with those of passenger cars.  So, as NHTSA Administrator David Strickland said, "We recognize that vehicle manufacturers want to build vehicles that include the tools and conveniences expected by today’s American drivers.”

But, our number one concern is--and always will be--the safety of American transportation.  And these guidelines are a major step forward in identifying real solutions to tackle the dangerous problem of distracted driving for drivers of all ages.  We owe the drivers, passengers, bicyclists, and pedestrians on our roadways no less.

Comments

[Jeffrey Phillips]

It certainly is a great idea to limit the amount of distraction coming to drivers from inside the vehicle. Using hand held devices, or consoles, takes the focus off the highway and that is very dangerous.

However, I think that it is important that we likewise recognize that passengers need no limitations on their access to use personal hand-held devices or consoles. Passengers can be very helpful in helping to navigate by locating addresses, avoiding traffic back-ups, and providing information to the driver and other passengers.

Building in some kind of a jamming system to prevent drivers from using hand held devices also prevents passengers, so that's not really going to work very well. Phone and adjusctive technology are already rapidly evolving towards voice control as the best option while in a vehicle, and I think most drivers will happily adopt this safer option as soon as it is workable.

I suggest you exert your efforts towards promoting this technological solution rather than adding hundreds of "soon to obsolete" pages to the rule books.

[Youdont Needtoknow]

Stop trying to regulate every aspect of my life as if the citizens of this country are just taxpaying robots for you to program how ever you want to your liking. There are inherent risk's in everything we do in daily life, but that DOES NOT mean you have the right to take away my PERSONAL LIBERTY OF CONDUCT while i drive!!!!! Have any of you power hungry government nannies ever wondered why libertarian ideals are growing big time in this country? Because people are tired of government constantly trying to forcibly regulate every mundane aspect of every day life. DO NOT try to force carmakers, phone companies, and computer companies to disable MY PROPERTY while i am trying to use it in any manner that i desire. LIBERTY is what made this country great, but it is over regulation that is slowly killing our economy and FREEDOMS.

[Jeff Whitcomb Winnsboro, TX]

I have been accused of being an "old lady" driver even though I am not a female. I have had a cell phone for over thirty years and had two very near death experiences using it. Both stimulated by distraction. No real accident occured but it was by just inches that it did not. I applaud these new guidelines. I personally try to limit my time on the phone but even though I know better still let it distract me on occasion.