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  • The consumer electronics industry is completely committed to the principle that safety is paramount and a driver's highest priority must be safe control of the vehicle at all times. CEA has supported state legislation imposing limits on the use of in-vehicle electronics to ensure driver safety. CEA also supports ongoing consumer awareness and education and has compiled a list of state laws for electronics use in cars. 
     
  • Policy approaches to driver distraction must be driven by well-grounded science. Recent "real world" data is now allowing us to understand the true impact of all distractions, including in-vehicle electronics, on driver performance. "Naturalistic" studies conducted under actual driving conditions should be given greater consideration than studies used with simulators. 
     
  • Policy considerations must take into account both the current state of technology and the likelihood of future innovations. Policies should be carefully calibrated so as not to inadvertently prohibit new technologies that could benefit drivers. For example, regulations should not prohibit voice-operated texting where the real concern is manual entry and operation of handheld devices. 
     
  • Policy approaches should recognize that in-vehicle electronics can enhance driver safety by improving situational awareness and focus. A driver using a GPS navigation system is safer than a lost or disoriented driver.  Likewise, in-vehicle entertainment systems keep children occupied who may otherwise demand the attention of the driver. 
     
  • Policy approaches should focus on driver behavior and activities rather than specific technologies or products. Scientific research has demonstrated driver distraction can arise from a wide variety of sources -- conversations with passengers, eating, consuming beverages, smoking, tending to children, and other such activities.  However, unlike these longstanding distractions, mobile electronics can also provide clear benefits to drivers and passengers. 
     
  • Recent naturalistic driving studies have confirmed that manual texting while driving significantly increases the risk of a crash. CEA supports a ban on the use of handheld devices for manual texting while driving. 
     
  • Research has also shown that younger drivers typically do not have the skill set to perform secondary tasks while driving safely. Accordingly, CEA supports initiatives that restrict mobile phone use for novice drivers or drivers operating under a graduated drivers' license (GDL).
     
  • Driver education is key.  While appropriate laws are important, driver education is crucial. Government and the private sector must work together to promote and encourage safe driving practices. For example this website promotes in-car technologies and behaviors intended to reduce driving risk. The website features proper usage information for in-vehicle electronics, a road quiz that tests consumer knowledge of responsible driving, facts about new mobile electronics and their individual features, and a link to retailers to aid in the safe installation of in-vehicle electronics. The website also educates drivers on how to reduce distractions and reach their destinations safely.  It also provides an interactive map detailing state laws and regulations concerning the use of in-vehicle electronics.
  • CEA issued a letter to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) in response to NTSB Recommendation H-11-47, which encourages the development of technology features that  disable the functions of portable electronic devices within  reach of the driver when a vehicle is in motion.