Solving the driver distraction problem

Is voice-recognition technology the silver bullet? No, engineers agree, but it has its place.

Lacking the know-how to make multitasking experts of all drivers, the automotive industry is in a quandary as to how to meet consumer demand for greater in-vehicle electronic communications capability without creating too much distraction for safe vehicle operation. Automakers and suppliers are not signing on to the proposition that, because the driver is solely responsible for safe vehicle operation, they would be serving consumers' best interests by cramming as many electronic functions as possible into their new models.

“As we introduce new technologies, we as manufacturers do have an obligation to understand the impact of those technologies,” said Jim Foley, a Human Factors Technical Specialist with Visteon and Chairman of an SAE committee exploring the issue.