U.S. Legislative Updates

NAFA has submitted comments to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) on the proposed Visual-Manual Driver Distraction Guidelines for In-Vehicle Electronic Devices. The voluntary guidelines call on the auto manufacturers to include technology in cars that automatically disables built-in phone calling, texting, and other distracting devices unless the car is parked.  

In the comments, NAFA stated, "These guidelines represent an excellent foundation to reduce driver distraction associated with secondary, non-driving-related, visual-manual tasks performed using integrated electronic devices. The guidelines will have an extremely beneficial impact on driver safety and on fleet accident rates." NAFA also recommended revisions to the guidelines to address the unique requirements of federal, state, and municipal government fleets and emergency service vehicle fleets, including law enforcement, fire and rescue, utility and emergency response.

The first phase of the guidelines would apply to integrated systems, with a second phase to be issued at a later date for mobile devices, such as personal cellphones. NAFA recommended that that the first and second phases of the Guidelines be issued at the same time; pointing out that the benefits from integrated systems can be easily circumvented if a driver is able to use a portable electronic device. "While the majority of employers and their senior managers recognize the importance of fleet safety programs, there is always room for improvement within the company or agency," NAFA said. "Guidelines that address integrated systems and portable electronic devices at that same time will be a valuable tool to be used by fleet managers to encourage their companies and agencies to strengthen safety programs."