Developing Guidelines for Managing Driver Workload and Distraction Associated with Telematic Devices

The explosive growth of in-vehicle telematic devices has brought with it a safety concern since there is the potential for distraction of the driver away from the driving task. To address this concern the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers (Alliance) formed a work group of experts from the auto industry, government and other stakeholders (ITSA, SAE, CEA, AAA, NSC, TMA and others) and tasked them with developing a “best practices” document to address essential safety aspects of driver interactions with future information and communication systems. This effort, which has been ongoing for 6 years, has produced 3 iterations of the document “Statement of Principles, Criteria and Verification Procedures on Driver Interactions with Advanced In-Vehicle Information and Communication Systems.” These Guidelines address the design, use and installation of information and communication systems with the goal of minimizing driver distraction associated with their use. The publication of the Guidelines has been followed by a letter of commitment from the Alliance members to design all their production vehicles to these Guidelines within specific designated timeframes. The Working Group has made a commitment to harness and apply state-of-the-art scientific understanding to the continuing evolution of its Driver Focus Guidelines. In that effort the group has benefited from work in Europe, Japan and the U.S. sponsored by both the private and public sectors. The purpose of this paper is to explore the extensive ongoing relevant research in the area of driver distraction and workload management and show how it has been utilized in the latest iteration of the Guidelines. The intent is that the Guidelines can be utilized to design telematic systems that stretch the envelope for systems that enhance the safety of drivers consistent with the state-of-the-art knowledge with regard to minimizing the potential for driver distraction. BACKGROUND On July 18, 2000 the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) held a public meeting to address growing concern over motor vehicle crashes and driver use of cellular telephones and other electronic distractions present in the vehicle. At that meeting, NHTSA challenged industry to respond to the rising concern in this area. As a result of this challenge, the Alliance agreed to develop a “best practices” document to address essential safety aspects of driver interactions with future in-vehicle information and communication systems. These systems, also known as “telematic” devices, include such items as cellular telephones, navigation systems, or Internet links. In December 2000, the Alliance submitted to NHTSA a comprehensive list of draft principles related to the design, installation and use of future telematic devices. This list of draft principles was based, in large part, on the European Commission recommendations of December 21, 1999, on safe and efficient in-vehicle information and communication systems (2000/53/ECO). At that time, the Alliance agreed to seek input from experts and interested parties to develop the principles into a more comprehensive document including more fully defined performance criteria and verification procedures. A work group of experts, Alliance members and other interested parties was formed in March, 2001 under my Chairmanship and included participants from the Intelligent Transportation Society of America, the Society of Automotive Engineers, the Consumer Electronics Association, the American Automobile Association, the National Safety Council, the Association of International Automobile Manufacturers, and the Truck Manufacturers Association. The NHTSA and Transport Canada (TC) participated as observers in the process and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety was a corresponding member. In a letter dated April 22, 2002, the Alliance transmitted Version 2 of the draft guidelines to then NHTSA Administrator Runge. At that time, Alliance members committed to design and test future telematic devices in accordance with the guideline document. Version 2.1 of the guideline document was likewise transmitted to NHTSA on November 19, 2003. Alliance members reaffirmed their commitment to continue to design and develop future information and communication systems in accordance with this updated document. Most recently, on June 26, 2006 the Alliance transmitted various changes made to the guideline document over the preceding couple of years. In the transmittal letter, the Alliance stated that the enclosed changes were already being used in the design and development of future products. Further, the Alliance committed to continue to review information related to driver workload and its impact on safe driving as it becomes available and to work with NHTSA to better understand this complex issue.