I've been following some of the news about the guidelines the US government proposed last week aimed at reducing distracted driving, and I'm not really sure what to make of them.
I feel like there is a disconnect here, as if there are a few missing pieces of information. Is the government simply restating the obvious standards all auto companies are already -- and should be -- considering? Have they gone far enough to address the issue? Could this spark even more innovation in an industry where the need to integrate our increasingly mobile lifestyle with highway safety standards is becoming more evident?
In her column last week, Barbara Jorgensen wrote about the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) issuing a series of proposed guidelines, which "encourage automobile manufacturers to limit the distraction risk for in-vehicle electronic devices." (See: Guidelines Aim to Reduce Distracted Driving.)
The auto trade organization, the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers, said in a statement:
The Alliance Guidelines provided valuable input in current NHTSA efforts to address driver distraction issues. While NHTSA drew heavily on that input in developing the NHTSA Guidelines, it did incorporate a number of changes in an effort to further enhance driving safety, enhance guideline usability, improve implementation consistency, and incorporate the latest driver distraction research findings.
The organization went onto say:
Keeping eyes on the road and hands on the wheel is clearly the priority. Digital technology has created a connected culture in America that has forever changed our society. Consumers expect to have access to new technology, so integrating and adapting this technology to enable safe driving is the solution. Drivers are going to have conversations, listen to music and read maps while driving, and automakers are helping them do this more safely with integrated hands-free systems that help drivers focus on the road.
Agreed. But, what does this mean? What kinds of hands-free systems could be in the pipeline? How involved are electronic suppliers in designing these new specs? We all know what a lucrative market this stands to be.
Maybe on Monday we'll hear some novel ideas. Next week, Ford Motor's executive chairman Bill Ford Jr. will be on stage at the Mobile World Congress talking about technology innovation and the "motoring experience." Ford will be one of the first keynotes at the marquee event, and it marks the first time he will deliver a keynote technology speech in Europe.
I'm not surprised to see him on the agenda. I've noticed a lot more Ford ads on Barcelona television, indicating to me that the American car company is trying to build a stronger European presence. And, last year, a number of chip companies were on the show floor talking about how their technology will be used in cars, among other things.
What's more striking, though, is just how interdependent all these industries have become. A car executive keynoting at a mobile phone event? With new driving-car manufacturer guidelines being phased in, maybe that couldn't come soon enough.
Devices targeted by proposed regulations are mainly those that interact visuals with hand operated input. Since GPS has a visual component, even eliminating manual input may not keep it off the banned deviecs list.
I do not understand how government can do anything impactful to actually take care of this issue. If the person himself doen't care for himself how does the government imlications on automative mfrs will help. The only way is to spread across the awareness and let the people know the dangers associated with distracted driving.
Unfortunaltely, I don't think that encouraging drivers not to use the capability to be connected while driving will work. Connectivity is an addiction.
I wonder if the auto industry or an auto brand would ever consider changing its marketing strategy to advertise cars as a quiet haven away from it all. All the ads I see emphasize the bells and whistles of being constantly connected, yet my favorite part of driving (as long as I am alone) is listening to my music, not have three phones ringing and a bunch of other things going on all at once.
There are a few like that--a Mom locks herself in a minivan to relax
I think drivers should have the option to be connected, but encouraged not to use capability unless necessary (like OnStar and an accident.)
"Keeping eyes on the road and hands on the wheel is clearly the priority. "
Few years back i saw a documentary of discovery channel where they tested a drunk man driving a car and a man who was talking on the mobile phone while driving. The outcome of the comparison based on the analysis by psychologists (or some other specialists) revealed that the concentration level on driving of both guys was similiar i.e. unacceptable for safety.
The point I am trying to make is that importance of mind (concentration level) is as important as eyes and hands.
While I see most communication or other tech devices as an obstacle to concentration of the driver, I also am unable to deny the numerous benefits that flow to the drivers.
While some of this new technology is great, some of it just adds to the distractions already present. The most obvious change would be with voice controls. If you can speak to your GPS and then receive directions, you would have no need to look at the map or try to program it while driving. Clearly we can't stop everybody from doing things behind the wheel that are inapproriate while driving, but we can make tougher laws for those who choose to be unsafe. Enforce these laws, and some people will have second thoughts.
You make an excellent point about the effect of increased mobile communications on automotive safety. You also shine light on the likelihood of increased communications-transportation integration by pointing out auto industry executive involvement in communications trade show events. However, I wonder about your qualifications to discuss safety, in light of your high-speed, stop-action portrait, which shows what seems to be the fist of someone standing off-camera, at just at the moment when it first comes into contact with your chin. This definitely does not show a high enough regard for safety, as you should have been wearing a mouth protector and a boxing helmet with a chin guard. I have no objections to your sport of choice or how you practice it, but it would be easier to take your observations about safety with more seriousness if it were accompanied by a picture showing appropriate regard for commonly used and expected safety devices.
A new report shows that most of the worrisome issues that the supply chain industry has been dealing with for years are not new, but there are some new concerns that need answers. Here’s a look at what keeps supply chain professionals up at night.
When it comes to shipping supplies from China to Europe, trains might be the most cost-effective way companies have available to them. DHL is looking to jump on that bandwagon.
For many dealing with the enormous task of tracking,
reporting, and resolving issues associated with
potential counterfeit parts, there is a collective
hope that 2013 will bring clearer guidance on what
needs to be done by whom and when.
A necessary foundation for moving efficiently at real-time speed, supply chain analytics is still very much at the beginning stages of development at many companies.
EBN Dialogue enables and encourages you to participate in live chats with notable leaders and luminaries. Not only editors and journalists, but the entire EBN community is able to comment and ask questions. Listed below are upcoming and archived chats.
Archived Dialogues
Thailand Stages a Comeback Join EBN contributor Jennifer Baljko on Thursday August 23, 2012, at 11:00 a.m. EST for a live chat on how electronic manufacturers in Thailand have shored up their supply chain to reduce the impact of future natural disasters.
Euro-Crisis: What It Means for High-Tech Firms Join EBN Editor in Chief Bolaji Ojo and Contributing Editor Jennifer Baljko on Thursday, July 12, at 10:00 a.m. EDT for a Live Chat on high-tech and Europe's economic difficulties.
Microsoft Surface: Potential Winners & Losers What are the implications for the electronics industry supply chain of Microsoft Corp.'s decision to launch its own tablet PC? Join industry veteran and EE Times' systems and OEM expert Rick Merritt on Tuesday, July 3, at 12:00 pm EDT for a Live Chat on this subject.
Join EBN contributor Jennifer Baljko on Thursday August 23, 2012, at 11:00 a.m. EST for a live chat on how electronic manufacturers in Thailand have shored up their supply chain to reduce the impact of future natural disasters.
Peter Drucker famously said "Trying to predict the future is like trying to drive down a country road at night with no lights while looking out the back window." Yet in the razor's-edge world of electronics—with a lean supply chain and just-in-time demands—the need to know the future is vital.
While no one really can accurately predict the future, we can take guidance from another Drucker saying which is the best way to predict the future is to create it.
You've heard the saying "the No. 1 supply chain risk is your people." That hasn't always been the case. But today's complex global supply chain requires a new type of multitalented employee. It's one who understands, finance, marketing, economics, is savvy with technology, graceful with relationships and can think analytically.
Where are these people? Are universities properly preparing the next generation supply chain professionals? How do train your existing workforce for these new, demanding positions?
Brian Fuller, editor-in-chief of EBN, will lead a 60-minute Avnet Velocity panel discussion that will ask and answer these and other questions swirling around today's supply-chain talent challenges.
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