U.S. Government wants to limit ‘entertainment’ in vehicles that distract drivers

At the national summit on distracted driving yesterday, U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said that the government wants to limit the technology that would allow people to update their Facebook account or surf the Internet while driving. Many automakers are starting to offer WiFi technology in their vehicles.

LaHood said that he will meet with automakers to develop new guidelines for vehicle telematics. “Put safety before entertainment,” he said emphasizing that curbing distracted driving has “become a personal crusade” for him.

While he did not refer to any automakers, LaHood  that allowing drivers to update their Facebook or surf the Internet “pull attention away from the road.” GM’s OnStar announced earlier this month that it will introduce a new service that will allow drivers to update their Facebook status via a voice activated system.

He did not layout out a schedule for setting up such guidelines.

– By: Omar Rana

Source: Inside Line