6-7-2012
The Government may be coming along just in time to save AM/FM radio from becoming extinct from the automobile dashboard. During a panel at Convergence, moderated by Greater Media's Buzz Knight, several automakers emphasized how important the safety issue was. They appeared concerned that the government might step in if it appeared the dashboard was becoming more of distraction. Well, on Thursday, Transportation Secratary Ray LaHood (pictured) held a press conference and hinted regulators may draft specific guidelines regarding an automobile's infotainment system. He called texting and cellphone use "a national epidemic."
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration reported that 3,092 people were killed in crashes related to driver distraction in 2010. Lahood said, ?Americans have gotten into very dangerous behavior with their cell phones and their texting devices to think they can use them behind the wheel of a car. People continue to be killed and injured despite the fact these deaths are 100 percent preventable. I?ve met with every car executive and talked with them about what they can do to help us with technology they?re putting in cars that may become a distraction to drivers. We hope to examine voice commands for hands-free functions too.?
Consumer demand is forcing automakers to develop dashboard systems that are an extension o their smartphones. In the current issue of Radio Ink magazine, Vice President of Advanced Technology at Toyota Jon Bucci said Toyota puts a lot of stock in what customers tell them.
"Toyota's view is that the voice of the consumer is critical. Basically, what we are getting is, 'Give us choice, let us make the decision. Don't stand in the way.' We are taking it a step further, to try to curate the environment so whatever we're pulling from the customers phone can be displayed in a manner fitting for a moving vehicle."
LaHood says, ?We want to make sure they understand that the ability to download Facebook, the ability to access information while you?re driving the car is not exactly a safe way to drive. There have to be ways for car companies to address these issues. I?ve met with every car executive and talked with them about what they can do to help us with technology they?re putting in cars that may become a distraction to drivers.?
Earlier this year, the Transportation Department issued voluntary guidelines, recommending that no task for drivers take longer than two seconds, and that cars be stopped and in park before drivers can enter navigation commands or use social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter. The chance anyone even knew about those voluntary guidelines is slim to none. Just take a look at passing cars every day on the streets of America. Not to mention, it's virtually impossible to even scan for your favorite radio station in two seconds or less. LaHood is also calling on the 11 states that have not banned texting and driving to do so.
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