Driver Distraction

• Overview
• Final Rule: Limiting the Use of Wireless Communication Devices
• Use of Mobile Information Systems

Overview

Driver distractions come in many forms, but the use of texting and hand-held cell phones while driving has increased in frequency in recent years. There have been multiple studies on this subject, indicating that the use of these devices while driving has become pervasive and created unacceptable levels of risk in causing accidents.

Most researchers define the nature of driver distraction to include three primary classifications:

• Visual - taking eyes off the road
• Physical - taking hands off the steering wheel
• Cognitive - focusing mental awareness on something other than the driving task

Any of the three can have serious consequences, although most experts consider visual to be the most serious form of distraction. All three combined apply in the case of texting

Putting It All into Perspective

While transportation companies agree that safety is the number one priority for their operations, today's commercial vehicle drivers are more dependent on information than ever before, so simply cutting off access to in-cab communications is not practical or likely to be effective. Operational requirements that were the primary reasons for adoption of mobile information systems cannot be ignored, such as:

• Timely and dynamic dispatching
• Near real-time routing and navigation assistance
• Driver safety

Fortunately, advances in technology have changed how information can be presented to drivers while the vehicle is in motion. For additional updates about distracted driving programs and news, see: www.distraction.gov

Final Rule: Limiting the Use of Wireless Communication Devices

September 2010: Final rule issued

October 2010: Effective date

This rule effectively bans "texting" by drivers of commercial vehicles. PHMSA has issued the same rulemaking for HAZMAT drivers.

For details, click here.

Final Rule: Drivers of CMVs - Restricting the Use of Cellular Phones

November 2011: Final rule issued

January 2012: Effective date

This rule specifically prohibits the use of or reaching for a handheld cell phone while driving a commercial vehicle. For details, see: http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/about/news/news-releases/2011/Secretary-LaHood-Announces-Step-towards-Safer-Highways.aspx

State Laws that ban "texting" and impose other restrictions on the use of phones and other electronic devices. More info.

Use of Mobile Information Systems

Qualcomm has been and continues to be cognizant of driver safety and has taken into account key design considerations to enhance the driver experience while maintaining a safe driving environment.

In-Motion User Interface (UI)

In-Motion UI, Qualcomm's standard user interface, is designed to reduce driver distraction and promote highway safety by limiting drivers' interactions with the Mobile Computing Platform while the vehicle is in motion. The standard user interface reduces the potential for driver distraction by restricting drivers from typing, sending or reading messages on the Display Unit while the vehicle is in motion. Drivers have access to all applications while the vehicle is stopped.

Text-to-Speech Capability

The standard user interface enables drivers to use only critical applications while the vehicle is in motion using the "text-to-speech" feature. If a message arrives, the driver will be audibly notified and will be able to listen to the message via the text-to-speech feature.

Navigation

While the vehicle is in motion, drivers will be able to see maps using the navigation applications on both the Display Unit and the smaller, optional fixed-mount Compact Display Unit (CDU). The driver will also hear audible directions via Qualcomm's "text-to-speech" functionality.

DISCLAIMER : Due to the continuous changing nature of government regulations, it is impossible to guarantee the accuracy of the materials contained on this website and Qualcomm does not make any guarantee or warranty as to the materials being correct, complete or up-to-date. These materials are for informational purposes only, are not intended to be legal advice, and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of Qualcomm Incorporated.

Sources

Bocanegra, Joseph, Richard Hanowski, and Rebecca Olson. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. "Driver Distraction in Commercial Vehicle Operations." 3 June 2009. Webinar.

"Limiting the Use of Wireless Communication Devices, Proposed Rule." Federal Register 75
(1 April 2010): 16391-16404. Print.