Guidelines drafted for high-tech devices in vehicles

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by Linda Rosencrance

(IDG) -- Trying to head off government intervention and regulation, the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers has issued guidelines for the design, installation and use of in-vehicle communication devices, including cell phones.

The guidelines come as federal regulators and industry groups look for ways to prevent drivers from becoming distracted while using these new technologies in their cars.

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The Washington-based trade group, whose members include General Motors, DaimlerChrysler AG, and Ford Motor Co., sent a copy of the guidelines to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in December.

According to the alliance, the guidelines grew out of a July meeting that was held to explore the safety implications of drivers using various in-vehicle electronic gadgets, including portable devices and those permanently installed on the dashboard.

Some of the guidelines for the equipment state: interactions with displays and controls should not adversely affect driving; the system should not require long and uninterruptible sequences or interactions; the system should not require use of more than one hand simultaneously; and speech-based communications systems should include provision for hands-free speaking and listening.

While not commenting specifically on the guidelines, an NHTSA spokeswoman said the new administration is concerned about driver distraction and is looking into the issue.

But historically, she said, the agency's position has been that "hands-free isn't risk-free."

In a December letter to then-NHTSA head Sue Bailey, the automakers' alliance said that before submitting its final guidelines, it would seek input from all interested parties including regulators, consumers and other safety experts.

The alliance is preparing a final document that it will send to the NHTSA when complete.

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Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers
DaimlerChrysler
Ford Motor Co.

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