Apple and Samsung Oppose New 'Extreme' Guideline to Modify Smartphones to Reduce Driver Distraction

By Precious Gem de Peralta
BMW i3 Infotainment System
US Department of Transportation's NHTSA has issued voluntary guidelines for smartphone makers to modify their electronic devices. This is to reduce the risk of drivers getting distracted. One of the features that the NHTSA is requesting are portable devices that will pair with a car's infotainment system. Car Leasing Made Simple via Flickr

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administrations (NHTSA) has issued new voluntary guidelines that will address concerns over an increase in traffic fatalities. Smartphone makers are asked to modify their electronic devices in a way that drivers would not be distracted by them. However, they seem to oppose it.

The said guidelines encourage manufacturers to install features that would pair a portable device to the car's infotainment system. They also need to have the Driver Mode feature. Both of these may "reduce the potential for unsafe driver distraction." In this way, drivers won't have to take their eyes off the road. The NHTSA also mentioned that the pairing and Driver Mode will still "preserve the full functionality of these devices" that the driver can use once he/she is not already driving.

The threat of using the smartphone while driving is severe. NHTSA Administrator Dr. Mark Rosekind said that they encourage drivers to "put down their phones and other devices, and just drive." Amidst the rise of fatalities connected to drivers getting distracted by their devices, he added that NHTSA is "committed to working with the [smartphone] industry to ensure that mobile devices are designed to keep drivers' eyes where they belong, on the road."

Though the NHTSA has the best of intentions, the proposed guidelines have drawn immediate opposition from the electronic industry, according to Bloomberg. Notably, the Consumer Technology Association (CTA) has described the guidelines as "extreme." Apparently, they may have quite expected this move by the safety regulators. The affected companies had urged the NHTSA not to give into advocates that blame the government for not doing enough. This is with regards to at least 3,500 highway deaths in 2015 caused by distractions.

The CTA, in which tech giants Apple and Samsung are members, added that it's a "regulatory overreach." CTA's President Gary Shapiro said that it would only impede the innovative technologies that are being developed to actually "help drivers make safer decisions." Shapiro also mentioned in an emailed statement to Bloomberg that the NHTSA is not authorized to "dictate the design of smartphone apps and other devices used in cars." Its legal jurisdiction should be limited to motor vehicle equipment.

He claimed that this might be an "attempt by the outgoing administration to push out highly questionable, de facto regulations." The proposed guidelines also received criticism from a trade group of wireless companies, the CTIA. They say that it is a "wrong approach for consumers."

The reaction of the smartphone makers is contrary to that of the automakers. Ford Motor Co's spokesperson Elizabeth Weigandt revealed that the automaker is encouraged that NHTSA is addressing the problem. The Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers also shares the same sentiment. The group's spokesman Wade Newton said that "it's important to encourage drivers to use in-vehicle systems rather than handheld personal devices."

Safety advocates think that the guidelines fall short of what they expect the government should do. With all the conflicting parties, the drivers and passengers themselves stand the most to lose. The regulators, advocates, smartphone makers and car manufacturers should all work together and come up with a definite solution to alleviate highway deaths caused by distracted drivers. It remains to be seen if a compromise can be achieved.

    Most Popular
  • Is 'The Last Supper' worth watching? Audience and critics weigh in

    Is 'The Last Supper' worth watching? Audience and critics weigh in

    Faith-based films often receive mixed reactions, and The Last Supper is no exception. The movie attempts to bring a fresh perspective to one of the most iconic moments in Christian history, but does it succeed? Some reviews from critics and audiences provide insight into its strengths and shortcomings.

  • ‘The Chosen’ Season 5: The darkest season yet—What to know before watching

    The wait is over—The Chosen is back with its fifth season, and this time, things are getting intense. The new episodes dive straight into the final days of Jesus’ life, covering some of the most emotional and dramatic moments in the Bible. If you’ve been following the series, you already know that The Chosen isn’t just about retelling familiar stories—it’s about bringing them to life in a way that feels real.

  • Massacres in Syria: Over 1,000 dead, including Christians and Alawites

    Syria’s coastal regions have been devastated by a series of massacres, with reports indicating that over 1,000 people—many from Christian and Alawite communities—have been killed in brutal attacks. Entire families have been wiped out, and survivors are fleeing in search of safety as sectarian violence escalates.

  • Kim Sae-ron and Wheesung: The tragic irony of Korean society and the principles of happiness

    Not long ago, the media was in an uproar over actress Kim Sae-ron’s passing. Just months before, the same people who had relentlessly criticized her for her DUI incident were now expressing sympathy, saying, "The world was too harsh on her." The irony is impossible to ignore.

  • Newsboys move forward as a quartet after Michael Tait’s departure

    After more than a decade as the lead singer of the Newsboys, Michael Tait has officially parted ways with the band, marking a significant shift in the Christian rock group’s lineup. The remaining members—Jeff Frankenstein, Jody Davis, Duncan Phillips, and Adam Agee—have assured fans that they will continue forward, embracing a new season of music and ministry.

Top Stories