The U.S. Department of Transportation's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) released proposed guidelines today to help address driver distraction caused by mobile and other electronic devices in vehicles.

Today's announcement covers the second phase of voluntary guidelines to address driver distraction on U.S. roads. The first phase focused on devices or systems built into the vehicle at the time of manufacture.

"As millions of Americans take to the roads for Thanksgiving gatherings, far too many are put at risk by drivers who are distracted by their cellphones," said U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx."These commonsense guidelines, grounded in the best research available, will help designers of mobile devices build products that cut down on distraction on the road."

The proposed, voluntary guidelines are designed to encourage portable and aftermarket electronic device developers to design products that, when used while driving, reduce the potential for driver distraction. The guidelines encourage manufacturers to implement features such as pairing, where a portable device is linked to a vehicle?s infotainment system, as well as Driver Mode, which is a simplified user interface.

The agency is seeking public comments on its proposed guidelines.

NHTSA urges the driving public to take the following safety precautions to minimize distraction while driving:

• Be a safe, distraction-free driver, put your cell phone down and focus on the road;
• When using electronic devices for directions, set the destination prior to driving;
• Speak up when you're a passenger and your driver uses an electronic device while driving. Offer to call or text for the driver, so his or her full attention stays on the driving task; and
• Always wear your seat belt. Seat belts are the best defense against other unsafe drivers

Commenting on the NHTSA guidelines, Gary Shapiro, president and CEO, Consumer Technology Association (CTA), said that tech companies have already created driver-assist technologies and apps that reduce or eliminate distractions such as drowsiness, in-car adjustments or texting while driving.

"NHTSA's approach to distracted driving is disturbing. Rather than focus on devices which could reduce drunk driving, they have chosen to exceed their actual authority and regulate almost every portable device. This regulatory overreach could thwart the innovative solutions and technologies that help drivers make safer decisions from ever coming to market. Further, NHTSA doesn?t have the authority to dictate the design of smartphone apps and other devices used in cars - its legal jurisdiction begins and ends with motor vehicle equipment. In this instance, NHTSA's regulatory premise is dangerously expansive, representing the worst of government overreach. Under their vision, they would have the influence to control the design of technology products down to the fitness tracker worn on a driver. Such a vast and extreme expansion of NHTSA's authority, if it were to happen, would have to be explicitly granted by Congress."

CTA supports common-sense measures to address distracted driving, such as state legislation that bans texting while driving and places strict limits on the use of electronics by novice drivers. More, CTA believes the shift in technology - including active collision avoidance and self-driving cars - is much more fruitful and important area for NHTSA focus.