Proposed Government Guidelines Aimed at Removing In-Car Distractions

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) announced Thursday that it has established the first-ever guidelines for automakers to eliminate drivers’ distractions.The recommendations are aimed at encouraging manufacturers to develop “less distracting” in-vehicle electronic devices. 

The guidelines, which are voluntary, apply to communications, entertainment, information gathering and navigation devices or functions that are not required to safely operate the vehicle.  

The Florida car accident attorneys at Philip DeBerard, Injury Attorney, applaud the government for stepping in and asking the automakers to help make our highways safer.  While we recognize that the American public shares the responsibility of driving safely, anything that can be done to limit distractions is a benefit. 

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) issued the guidelines that focus on electronic devices that are installed by the manufacturers and require “visual or manual operation” by the driver.  The NHTSA offers these guidelines for electronic devices that could cause distraction by “engaging the driver’s eyes or hands for more than a very limited duration while driving.” 

These recommendations come on the heels of the Detroit Auto Show, held in January, where carmakers unveiled their latest safety, technology and fuel efficiency features that could soon be standard options in mainstream vehicles. According to the Chicago Tribune, carmakers have already begun adding technology aimed at alleviating cell phone distractions.  Hands-free and voice-activation features are being added by Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Hyundai and Toyota. 

“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.” 

The proposed NHTSA distraction guidelines include recommendations to:  

• 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 recommendations also suggest disabling features, unless the vehicle is in park, that allow visual-manual text messaging, Internet browsing and GPS manual address entry.

 These guidelines are the first phase of guidelines in a series of guidance documents the NHTSA plans to issue to address sources of distraction that require use of the hands or diversion of the eyes from the primary task of driving.

Careless driving (the equivalent to distracted driving) was the leading cause of vehicle accidents in Florida last year, according to Florida’s 2010 crash statistics. More than 47,500 careless driving accidents resulted in injuries, and 332 resulted in a fatality. 

Our Treasure Coast auto accident attorneys urge all Florida drivers to stay focused while on the road and to not drive while distracted. 

An Experienced Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help

The law firm of Philip DeBerard, Injury Attorney, has provided legal assistance to car accident victims in South Florida and the Treasure Coast since 1975. The firm sponsors a Facebook campaign to help end distracted driving entitled Hang Up and Drive! We believe that distracted driving is a life-threatening behavior that can be stopped. 

If you or someone you love has been injured by a distracted driver in Florida, call us today at (800) 299-8878 or fill out our convenient online contact form for a free consultation.