In the past two years, fatalities linked to driver distraction while using smartphones have increased significantly. To limit this distraction, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) issued voluntary guidelines to app developers. These guidelines could have a driver mode, similar to airplane mode that would modify or block apps and features known to divert attention when driving.
Apple, Samsung, and other device manufacturers are called to develop technology that recognizes a car in motion and also perceives when the driver is using it while driving. Limiting functionality while simplifying interfaces would be a start to curtailing this dangerous, and widespread habit of drivers, young and old.
Anthony Foxx, secretary of the Transportation Department, said, “Your smartphone becomes so many different things that it’s not just a communication device. Distraction is still a problem. Too many people are dying and being injured on our roadways.”
