The guidelines, which are voluntary, encourage the manufacturers of cars, light trucks, and SUVs to simplify their communication and infotainment systems, so drivers won't need more than a few seconds to use a device. The proposals would not apply to safety features, such as electronic collision warning systems.
The Department of Transportation (DOT), which oversees the NHTSA, has suggested a phased-in approach for compliance.
The Phase I guidelines include these recommendations:
Reduce complexity and task length required by the device;
Limit device operation to one hand only (leaving the other hand to remain on the steering wheel to control the vehicle);
Limit individual off-road glances required for device operation to no more than two seconds in duration;
Limit unnecessary visual information in the driver's field of view;
Limit the amount of manual inputs required for device operation.
The proposal also suggests disabling these operations while the vehicle is in motion:
Visual-manual text messaging;
Visual-manual internet browsing;
Visual-manual social media browsing;
Visual-manual navigation system destination entry by address;
Visual-manual 10-digit phone dialing;
Displaying to the driver more than 30 characters of text unrelated to the driving task.
The DOT does not intend to penalize carmakers that don't implement the guidelines.
Compared to Western European driving regulations the USA is quite relaxed about driving while distracted. I believe these are good measures to implement and will result in fewer accidents.
"The DOT does not intend to penalize carmakers that don't implement the guidelines."
Barbara,
If the DOT does not intent to apply any penalizations for non-implementation, what's the point of the guidelines? It would be great if carmakers follow the guidelines, but let's face it, carmakers will do what is best for the business, and that is to give all the distractions the consumers are asking for.
I believe there are big differences in traffic safety between Europe and the U.S. However, this doesn't mean there is a big difference in traffic deaths. This comparative study is interesting. How much do you think things have changed since then?
From a study published in 2007 : "In 2005 Sweden recorded its lowest number of fatalities since the 1940s, while the US recorded its highest number in 15 years. The Swedish total is 66% below the highest number recorded in Sweden (in 1966), while the US total is only 20% below the highest number recorded in the US (in 1972). If the US total had dropped from its high by the same percent as the Swedish total did, in 2005 the US would have suffered 18,293 traffic deaths, 25,150 fewer than the actual total of 43,443. Despite this enormous difference in safety improvement between the US and Sweden, the distributions of US and Swedish fatalities by age and sex are found to be similar." http://scienceservingsociety.com/p/X/01.htm
I have a feature on my smarphone which allows me to use the phone through voice commands while I'm driving. I can make call to a contact, browse maps or switch songs etc all through voice commands. I think all the devices in cars should allow user the option to give voice commands as input to perform various functions. Would certainly help in reducing distraction.
"carmakers will do what is best for the business, and that is to give all the distractions the consumers are asking for."
@Susan: I don't think consumers ask for distractions. Consumers are themselves concerned about their security. Consumers ask for options and features that they can use while driving for their entertainment and ease. If two car makers are providing the same options to the consumers and one of them is providing a safer way to use these features while driving, consumers would surely go for that brand of car. This way, if a car maker invests into following these guidelines and making the driving safe, they will get a better response from the consumers.
Yes, voice command could be the way to avoid visual distraction, and maybe reduce other types of distractions. About the entertainment part, well, watching a video or a slide show while driving doesn't seem to be quite appropriate for several reasons, unless you want to transform your car into your new mobile office.
I should be able to remember where I read about this, but yes, it seems like carmakers are just adding the distractions consumers are asking for. This is not something I just made up, you see. :)
I agree in adding useful features, but updating Facebook startus and Tweets don't really seem to be useful enough to be done while driving.
DOT should impose penalties on car makers who fail to adhere to these guidelines. Then only such guidelines will become effective. If a distracting feature is automatically disabled during the drivering then the safety will be forced onto the drivers and not be at the mercy of the subjective judgement of the driver. about what is distracting and what is not.
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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.
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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.
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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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