Skip to main content

Global Automakers testifies at NHTSA public hearing on distracted driving

The Association of Global Automakers, which represents international motor vehicle manufacturers, original equipment suppliers, and other automotive-related trade associations, has testified about the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) proposed voluntary driver distraction guidelines stressing the importance of an objective, performance-based, and technology neutral approach.
March 19, 2012 Read time: 2 mins
The 4074 Association of Global Automakers, which represents international motor vehicle manufacturers, original equipment suppliers, and other automotive-related trade associations, has testified about the US 2467 National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) proposed voluntary driver distraction guidelines stressing the importance of an objective, performance-based, and technology neutral approach.

“We agree with the agency’s goal of reducing the potential for driver distraction by providing uniform, modern guidelines for evaluating driver assistance and convenience features demanded by today’s consumers,” said Michael Cammisa, Global Automakers’ director of safety. “We need to make sure we get this right, it’s important to recognise that overly restrictive limits on in-vehicle devices could result in greater distraction as drivers substitute hand-held devices for those functions integrated into the vehicle, diminishing the effectiveness of the guidelines.”

Global Automakers says it supports state legislation for primary enforcement bans on the use of hand-held devices for texting and phone calls while driving.

“Our member companies are taking a comprehensive approach to automotive safety addressing both protection and prevention,” said Cammisa. “When designing in-vehicle features and their controls, automakers take into consideration usability, comprehension, and safety, all in the context of the driving environment.”

The Association says it looks forward to on-going collaboration with policymakers and other stakeholders to identify and evaluate potential ways to prevent or mitigate driver distraction.

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • US proposes distraction guidelines for automakers
    March 14, 2012
    US Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood yesterday announced the first-ever federally proposed guidelines to encourage automobile manufacturers to limit the distraction risk for in-vehicle electronic devices.
  • Driver distraction poses safety challenge
    June 18, 2012
    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.
  • GHSA wants more action on distracted driving
    May 5, 2021
    Some US state laws have not kept pace with technology, says lobby group StopDistractions.org
  • US road safety record
    April 26, 2012
    The latest official statistics from the US on road accidents show that fatality levels on the nation's roads have dropped to the lowest figures seen for more than six decades. The information was released by US Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood, revealing that highway deaths fell to 32,885 for 2010, the lowest level since 1949.