NHTSA: Nav Systems May Be Unsafe
By Amy Gilroy -- TWICE, 8/7/2000
Washington, D.C. -- The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration released a report last month finding that in-car navigation and wireless communications systems pose a hazard to drivers.
The Department of Transportation adjunct conducted a driver-distraction test on its track in Ohio and concluded that "voice-recognition technology is a viable alternative to visual-manual destination entry while driving and that destination entry with visual-manual methods is ill-advised while driving."
NHTSA is continuing to test driver distraction due to use of navigation and telematics. The findings could result in legislation regulating the use of these devices in cars. An NHTSA spokeswoman said, "We are not contemplating regulation, but we have a lot of influence over states and local governments who are deliberating legislation regarding cellphones and driver inattention."
Twenty-five percent of the 6.5 million crashes each year involve some form of driver distraction or inattention, according to NHTSA. The spokeswoman noted that the agency is concerned with all forms of distraction -- including "eating fast food, putting on makeup while driving or using the cellphone." She added that 143,000 crashes each year are due to manipulating the radio.
"We believe the manufacturer is responsible for assessing the safety in the vehicle and conveying the safety risk to the consumer," the spokeswoman continued. "We hold the manufacturer responsible for their technology. The drivers are also responsible. The problem is the driver can often multi-task, but if there is an unexpected event, such as a pedestrian running in front of the vehicle, then the chance of a crash is much increased."
Both the Consumer Electronics Association and suppliers such as Q-PC (which makes aftermarket in-car computers) say the onus of responsibility remains with the driver, rather than the equipment. A spokesman for CEA said the organization was still studying the NHTSA report and gathering information, but "our premise is that mobile CE products can be used safely, and it's up to the consumer to use them safely."
Q-PC founder/CEO Derrick Copeland said, "People will be able to adapt to computing technology in the car if they are provided with the right technology and are taught how to use it."
For example, he does not recommend that drivers use the Q-PC computer while driving unless it is to listen to MP3-format music, which he claims is safer than fumbling for CDs.
"If NHTSA finds that technology is bad, then that would be a problem," Copeland said. "We have a trucking company that wants us to integrate a solution for them that includes a video camera to overcome blind spots in the truck and an automatic update for bridges and overpasses -- so technology can promote safety. Also, we say that if the device is properly installed in the car, it reduces risk. In the data we've seen on cellular phone use, the device falling on the floor was one of the major causes of accidents."
Alpine VP marketing Stephen Witt agrees with NHTSA that manufacturers have a responsibility to provide equipment that is safe. For that reason, he said, Alpine designed its user interface to promote safety and has incorporated interlock-type functions that deny users access to certain programs while the car is in motion.
"I wouldn't say we're worried," added Witt, "but we're actively involved and constantly reviewing industry developments."
One of the safety standards proposed by the Society of Automotive Engineers is the 15-second rule, which states that if a given route-guidance destination-entry function can be completed in 15 seconds or less by a sample of drivers with their eyes diverted from the road, then that function may be safe to use while the vehicle is in motion.
The NHTSA spokeswoman said early tests have found that nav systems require longer than 15 seconds to manipulate.
Alpine, which is a member of the SAE's Safety and Human Factors Group, said it will comply with any ratified recommended practices, including the SAE's proposed 15-second rule.
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