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

  • ERF highlights ‘WhiteRoads’ with low accident rates
    April 2, 2013
    The European Union Road Federation and the Spanish Road Association have presented the results of their joint WhiteRoads Project, which highlights road links with good safety standards. This project has taken three years of research and is intended to create a positive approach to road safety and focus on zero fatality roads, as opposed to the traditional practice of focusing on black spots. A European White Spot (EUWS) is defined as a section of road 15km long or more where there have been no fatal acciden
  • Safety measures aid workzone accident reduction
    February 20, 2012
    Everyone connected with the highway industry is involved in the efforts to cut down the number of work zone accidents. Patrick Smith reports. A few months ago, as road work resumed on America's highways and bridges, US Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood called on drivers to use extra caution in work zones. At the same time he commended the success in reducing overall roadway fatalities in each of the last seven years.
  • KPMG’s Global Automotive Executive Survey 2012
    March 21, 2012
    With China slated to be the world’s biggest market for auto sales and exports by 2025, and demand for electric vehicles expected to be the highest in emerging markets, global auto players should have a clearer vision of the way forward on issues critical to the industry.
  • Modern road system is 'a must'
    August 2, 2012
    Australia's GDP could see a major increase if traffic bottlenecks in big cities were to be removed, and the government is addressing this as a matter of urgency A modern road system is a must in Australia where it is estimated that the removal of traffic bottlenecks could potentially raise the country's GDP by 0.8%. According to the Committee for Economic Development of Australia (CEDA), which made the prediction, infrastructure bottlenecks (particularly in cities, which account for over 70% of the country'