Skip to main content

Driver distraction poses safety challenge

The risk of driver distraction is growing with the growth in information and communication technologies (ICT). Car manufacturers are under pressure to offer the latest technologies to maintain product strength. But at the same time firms also have to keep process of human interaction with the car simple, to reduce driver distraction.
June 18, 2012 Read time: 2 mins
The risk of driver distraction is growing with the growth in information and communication technologies (ICT). Car manufacturers are under pressure to offer the latest technologies to maintain product strength. But at the same time firms also have to keep process of human interaction with the car simple, to reduce driver distraction.

Research by The US 2467 National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has shown that 17% (an estimated 899,000) of all police-reported accidents in 2010 reportedly involved some type of driver distraction. Of those 899,000 crashes, distraction by a device/control integral in the vehicle was reported in 26,000 cases (3% of the distraction-related police-reported accidents). Reacting on these results, the NHTSA has formulated voluntary guidelines for driver distraction, which will be rolled out in three phases based on device origin and interaction type.

The NHTSA's approach toward driver distraction will help manufacturers with the coming information systems, according to Frost & Sullivan Research Analyst, Krishna Jayaraman. He added that NHTSA plans to implement the feedback from the public and hold public hearings before finalising the first phase of recommendations. This will open up opportunities for OEMs and suppliers to convey their message and help set guidelines that will benefit them as well as the consumers. As smartphones are one of the major sources of driver distraction, the US 4180 National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) in December 2011 proposed a nationwide ban on the use of personal electronic devices while driving, as the risk of an accident is four times higher when using a phone while driving a car, various studies revealed.

The regulation applies in 50 states and bans the use of hands-free systems, including wireless headsets. This could act against those firms offering phone integration and hands-free systems as a part of their portfolio.

Related Content

  • Driving is risky business for young
    March 18, 2016
    Young drivers are at high risk from crashing according to a new survey carried out in France. The survey was carried out by the GMV Conseil engineering firm for Allianz France. This reveals that risky behaviour for young drivers poses a wider hazard. A key risk comes from dangerous attitudes linked to new technologies. The study says that 19% of the 3,000 young people aged 15 - 30 use a cellphone while driving, and 18% look at emails and messages. Meanwhile 12% admit that they have already driven after drin
  • Largest field trial worldwide of car-to-x communication
    April 27, 2012
    A research consortium headed by Daimler AG has claimed a breakthrough in the wireless exchange of information among vehicles and between vehicles and the traffic infrastructure. Following three years of intensive research work, Daimler is presenting the current status of the Sim project in Germany together with the involved project partners. It is also announcing the launch of what it claims is the largest field trial for car-to-x communication worldwide: from the spring of 2012, around 120 vehicles will be
  • Vietnam and Laos addressing road safety
    February 29, 2012
    Accident statistics from Laos and Vietnam reveal a growing awareness of the problems needing attention.
  • Via Nordica turns international
    July 31, 2012
    Via Nordica, the road technology conference of the five Nordic countries (Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden) has changed from the traditional Nordic event to become more international The conference, held every four years, rotates between the five countries, and the 2008 event, held in Helsinki, the Finnish capital, was a clear demonstration of the international trend. An accompanying exhibition attracted more than 70 companies and organisations from 14 countries. Pär-Håkan Appel, the secretary g