Senator grills NHTSA over GPS rules

Sen. Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) expressed skepticism Tuesday about federal regulation of the mobile direction apps that now come standard in many vehicles.

Fischer questioned David Friedman, deputy administrator of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), over the agency’s new guidelines for automakers to ensure built-in GPS systems do not distract drivers.

{mosads}”On a mobile app, if it is voice-controlled and it is not in view of the driver, would there be distraction involved?” she asked Friedman during a Senate Commerce Committee hearing.

“We think those can be safer [than using handheld electronic devices],” Friedman responded, “but we do want to provide guidance to industry in how to make sure they are safe.”

Friedman said the NHTSA has authority to regulate integrated GPS systems, because they are considered motor vehicle equipment.

“Is a paper map motor vehicle equipment?” Fischer asked.

“To the best of my knowledge paper maps are not causing distraction,” he replied.

Friedman explained the NHTSA is merely pushing voluntary guidelines for built-in GPS systems, but Fischer questioned the logic of that.

“When do we cross the line from a guideline to a regulation, if you don’t have voluntary cooperation from companies?” the senator asked.