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House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
House of Representatives
Session of 2013 - 2014
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | May 2, 2014 02:12 PM |
|---|---|
| From: | Representative Nicholas A. Micozzie |
| To: | All House members |
| Subject: | New Technologies for Discouraging Driver Distration |
| Decades of research and development are yielding cutting-edge technologies for safer and more sophisticated automobiles. Some of these technologies involve the use of electronic display devices that are installed forward of the driver's seat so as to enable the driver or the front seat passenger to view the display. Manufacturers recognize the safety concerns associated with driver distraction and have therefore integrated electronic display designs that specifically minimize driver distraction by limiting display form and content that may be viewed by a driver while the vehicle is in motion. By allowing automobile manufacturers the design flexibility to implement these types of technologies, safety concerns associated with driver distraction can be addressed in an integrated fashion, while meeting increasing consumer demand for connected technologies. Statutory limitations on Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) integrated technologies will lead to the use of non-integrated hand-held devices in the front passenger seat, such as portable DVD players. To address this issue, automakers have developed technologies such as Mercedes-Benz SplitView - state-of-the-art dashboard screen designed to allow the front-seat passenger to view entertainment while the driver is only able to see content appropriate for a driver - such as vehicle status, audio and navigation information. SplitView is one screen integrated into the architecture of the vehicle, installed by the manufacturer and unable to be tampered with by the consumer. SplitView takes into account the demand for front-seat passenger entertainment while keeping everyone safe. The vast majority of states already recognize the benefit and safety of this technology. In fact, at this time Pennsylvania is one of only two states in the country that prohibits this type of technology in their statutes. My legislation recognizes consumer demand for new and emerging technologies while discouraging driver distraction. The legislation will allow Pennsylvania consumers to purchase these innovative and safety technologies in the cars of tomorrow. I hope that you will join me in sponsoring this legislation. Thank you. |
Introduced as HB2322