The Department of Transportation (DOT) safety regulators are encouraging automobile manufacturers to design dashboard technology to limit distractions for drivers. Distracted driving is a growing concern for safety regulators as automakers add interactive technology and web based features into their new vehicles. According to the Global Automakers lobby in Washington, "Automakers try to design automobile technology to help reduce the potential for driver distractions, while still providing convenience features demanded by today's consumers,"

Under the guidelines, the DOT hopes to limit distraction by limiting what drivers can do while operating their vehicle. Some of the proposed changes include:

• reducing the complexity and length of time required to operate vehicle systems.
• make the system easy enough to operate while keeping one hand on the steering wheel.
• limit the time a driver takes their eyes off the road by limiting unnecessary information in the drivers viewing field.
• limit the amount of inputs required from the driver to operate automobile devices.
• not allowing drivers to access certain systems unless the vehicle is stopped and out of gear.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is planning to hold hearings around the country on the proposed rules. They hope that feedback from both automakers and anti distraction groups will help develop standardized systems that can be accepted by both groups.