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Government Wants to Restrict In-Vehicle Communications

Feb 16, 2012, 10:50 AM by Eric M. Zeman

Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood today proposed new rules for automakers that would have them restrict access to certain communications functions of newer automobiles while in motion. Specifically, LaHood wants car makers to prevent drivers from using built-in features for sending text messages, making calls, surfing the internet, or accessing social media while behind the wheel. "Distracted driving is a dangerous and deadly habit on America's roadways — that's why I've made it a priority to encourage people to stay focused behind the wheel," LaHood said in a statement. In December, the National Transportation Safety Board recommended that a number hands-free devices be banned from use by drivers. The new rules are open for comment for the next 60 days, and the the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration will hold hearings in March over the proposals.

Reuters »

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Comments

This forum is closed.

This forum is closed.

Suicidy

Feb 16, 2012, 4:48 PM

Too Much Government

This is yet another thing government does not need to be involved with. They do too many things already, which are incredibly invasive and cost money we do not have. I say, no further!

Tofuchong

Yeah, I agree with you, but you are using that kind of Logic based on a safety issue?

Look, if you were operating your own vehicle on a private roadway with no other citizens around, and no possibility of causing harm while you are distracted, the...
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tsineath

Feb 16, 2012, 11:28 AM

not to sure about this

i mean this is a good thing and a bad thing. i think would definitely reduce car accidents. do i think it would reduce it enough for people to notice? No not at all. people are still goin to do it.

acdc1a

It's nothing but a bad thing. It's government overstepping once again. What's next? A cell phone scrambling device on every car? Stupid regulations by a stupid government given far too much power.

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hushpook

No, its all bad. Its called Big Brother. Government telling you want you can and can't do. Laws already exist to discourage inattentive driving. Obama the Communist on the loose.

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Rhino77

Feb 16, 2012, 12:30 PM

Bad Form by the Gov

With the speed of tech development the Gov should work with tech integration not ban it... in very near future you'll see this as an inevitability... but why do I feel like explaining tech to Gov officials would be like a Droid tutorial with a 70 year old

bearofpanda

I have to disagree on this one. I live in California where it is already illegal to be on the phone without a handsfree. I support this because it keeps me safe. It's simply a safety enforcement such as a speed limit. And come on let's be honest we al...
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Suicidy

@bearofpanda:
You support this because it keeps you safe? The government could mandate wearing a helmet 24 hours a day using that good. The fact is that this is invasive and not what the federal government is for. That you are a California residen...
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HawkeyeOC

Feb 17, 2012, 2:12 AM

Guidelines-not legislation

Come on people, read the whole article with the supplied link to Reuters:

These are proposed GUIDELINES for automakers the administration is outlining, and not legislation. At least that is what the supplied link in the article is stating.

http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/02/16/us-usa-aut ... »

So you have the Obama administration that wants to restrict certain practices, Congress which has shown no interest in restricting them and automakers...well I am sure everyone knows their position.

This is going nowhere at least for the moment...

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