Texas Automakers to Follow Federal Proposal ‘Distraction’ Guidelines

Prompted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the U.S. Department of Transportation recently announced the “first-ever federally proposed guidelines to encourage automobile manufacturers to limit the distraction risk for in-vehicle electronic devices”. Vehicles rated at less than “10,000 pounds gross weight”, which includes cars, SUV’s, pickup trucks, minivans and other vehicles similar to those descriptions, will be the cars for automakers to focus on in Phase 1 of the proposal.

In an age where we are constantly on the go while staying in contact with our friends, family, the office and co-workers—never miss a text or email thanks to the latest technological advancement—it’s no wonder why more car accidents occur behind the wheel as a result of distracted driving.

This federal proposal recognizes the issues of distracted driving and the increasingly bad habits many Americans have when trying to multi-task while operating a motor vehicle.

The announcement made by U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood comes just days after President Obama’s (FY) 2013 budget request.

“Distracted driving is a dangerous and deadly habit on America’s roadways – that’s why I’ve made it a priority to encourage people to stay focused behind the wheel,” said Secretary LaHood. “These guidelines are a major step forward in identifying real solutions to tackle the issue of distracted driving for drivers of all ages.”

According to the Phase 1 proposal guidelines, automakers must minimize the distraction of installed electronic devices by adhering to the following recommendations, as listed on the NHTSA’s website:

• 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

Phase II and Phase III proposals are being considered as well in an effort to keep drivers less distracted.

Phase II will focus on portable devices drivers bring inside the car, such as smartphones, iPads, iPods and other tablets that can be used to connect to the car.

Phase III will focus on voice activated controls, like GPS navigation systems.
Contact the Austin car accident attorneys at Gonzales & Gonzales, to learn more.