U.S. regulators are urging automakers to limit distractions from the use of Facebook and Twitter through in-car infotainment systems. In non-binding guidelines, the Transportation Department asked automakers to block the use of social media sites and Internet browsing when a vehicle is in motion.
The authority also urged carmakers to design navigation and other screen-based systems so that drivers don’t need to take their eyes off the road for more than two seconds to select an option, or for a total of 12 seconds to complete an entire task, such as entering an address.
Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said the approach has to be similar to the one used to convince drivers no to use cellphones with their hands while driving. “We’ve already made good progress in getting cellphones out of peoples’ hands when they’re behind the wheel. Cellphones aren’t the only distractions,” LaHood said during a conference call.
Automakers are not thrilled by these recommendations, arguing that limiting the use of in-car technology would determine drivers to use more dangerous handheld devices. The Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers (AAM), which represents GM and Toyota among others, said its own guidelines were less restrictive. AAM says the government’s proposals will lead to more use of handheld phones and other devices.
“NHTSA data indicate that 98 percent of distraction-related accidents are due to factors other than use of the built-in system,” said AAM spokeswoman Gloria Bergquist.
AAM’s guidelines allow use of social media via in-car infotainment systems during low-speed driving, while the government wants cars to be stopped and in park to use social media.
The guidelines start in three years and will apply only to equipment installed in new vehicles. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said the guidelines may be used to give incentives in its vehicle safety ratings in the future.
By Dan Mihalascu
Story References: Bloomberg News
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