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

  • Harmonising off-highway machines for on-road use
    September 11, 2023
    A step ahead for harmonising off-highway machines for on-road use in Europe.
  • Global credit squeeze impacts Australia's road construction
    July 13, 2012
    Roads Australia steps up in policy debate as road construction feels the pinch of the credit squeeze, as Mark Bowmer (RA media director) reports Like all markets around the world, Australia is feeling the effects of the global credit squeeze and its impact on the delivery of major infrastructure projects such as roads. In Sydney, for example, lack of funding (both from government and private sources) is seen as the major stumbling block to the construction of a much-needed eastern extension to Sydney's main
  • Re-inventing Africa’s Transport Model - The 2nd IRF Africa Regional Congress
    September 13, 2017
    Lack of effective coordination among Africa’s transportation stakeholders is inhibiting the impacts of existing programs, but technology and innovation are increasingly understood as essential drivers to propel Africa forward in meeting its development goals. These were some of the main findings of the 2nd IRF Africa Regional Congress which was held July 11th-13th in Windhoek, Namibia.
  • Tanzania road safety plan
    March 29, 2021
    Tanzania is introducing a new road safety plan.