Automakers at Intelligent Transportation Society of America: Driver Focus Critical to Auto Safety and the Environment

HOUSTON, May 4 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Citing the importance of driver focus to both auto safety and the environment, automakers at the Intelligent Transportation Society of America's (ITS) annual exposition today once again stressed the importance of keeping drivers' "eyes-on-the-road."  The auto industry's work to help drivers focus on the road has centered around two key automaker-led initiatives: the Driver Focus Guidelines, which are comprehensive principles on the installation, design and operation of in-vehicle technologies; and the EcoDrivingUSA^TM program, which provides drivers with important tips to boosting fuel efficiency, in part by encouraging motorists to pay close attention to the driving environment.  

"Automakers have continued to provide consumers with more fuel-efficient and ever safer automobiles," according to Dave McCurdy, president and CEO of the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers.  "And we're working with others to do even more.  ITS America advocates for many technological advancements that will work with vehicles to even further enhance efficient and safe auto travel."

For years the industry has taken steps to help drivers focus on the road.  In fact, by 2003 Alliance members had voluntarily developed and implemented the science-based Driver Focus Guidelines, which were created in consultation with ITS America as an effort to ensure that vehicle features can be operated with quick, interruptible glances; so drivers can focus on driving.  

"Today's automobiles have GPS systems to help us find our way, and emergency crash notification to save lives," added McCurdy.  "For future safety needs, we must preserve the wireless connection in cars to enable the next generation of vehicle safety technologies, including emerging intelligent transportation systems where cars will have the ability to 'talk' to each other and the roadway.  We need more integrated hands-free systems that help drivers focus on the road."

Portable devices that a driver brings into a vehicle were never designed to be used while driving, and can be distracting.  Keeping eyes-on-the-road is critical to safe driving, and one recent study, The Virginia Tech Transportation Institute's '100-Car' study, found that the odds of a crash or near-miss more than doubled when a driver's eyes were off the road ahead for more than two seconds.  

"Digital technology has created a connected culture in America that has forever changed our society," added McCurdy.  "Taking a 'just say no' approach to technology won't turn back time.  Managing technology is the solution, and that's why automakers developed guidelines to help drivers keep their 'eyes-on-the-road.'"

Meanwhile, focusing on the road is also important to successful EcoDriving.  EcoDriving's objectives are similar to ITS' goals of advancing safer and more efficient roadway travel.  The program offers easy-to-use best practices for driving and vehicle maintenance.  By teaching drivers how to get the most mileage from any vehicle, regardless of its size or age, EcoDriving offers an unmatched reach in addressing energy and climate issues because it potentially affects the nation's entire fleet of 245 million automobiles.  A typical EcoDriver can increase fuel efficiency by an average of 15 percent.

EcoDriving tips include driving practices such as avoiding rapid starts and stops, maintaining the optimum vehicle speed and knowing when to use air conditioning instead of rolling down windows.  Maintenance practices include properly putting on the gas tank lid and reducing a vehicle's aerodynamic drag.  

For more information on EcoDrivingUSA^TM, visit www.ecodrivingusa.com; for more on the Alliance's guidelines visit www.autoalliance.org/driverfocusfacts.

The Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers is a trade association of 11 car and light truck manufacturers including BMW Group, Chrysler Group LLC, Ford Motor Company, General Motors, Jaguar Land Rover, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz, Mitsubishi Motors, Porsche, Toyota and Volkswagen.  For more information, visit the Alliance website at www.autoalliance.org.

SOURCE Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers