NHTSA Suggestion Would Cripple In-Car GPS Displays 516
bricko writes "The recently issued National Highway Transportation Safety Agency guidelines for automakers to minimize distraction for in-vehicle electronics included a proposal to freeze maps on navigation systems. No more scrolling maps...just static pictures. 'Every current installed navigation system uses the car as a fixed point, and shows the map moving around it. NHTSA wants that changed so as to keep the map fixed. Even showing the position of the car moving on the map could be considered a dynamic image. The recommendation seems to suggest that the position of the car could only be updated every couple of seconds. Likewise, the map could be refreshed once the car has left the currently displayed area. This recommendation would essentially make navigation unusable. The system could still give an auditory warning for the next turn, but without being able to glance down at the map and see how close the next street is would likely lead to a lot of missed turns and resultant frustration.'"
Also, (Score:2, Funny)
In other news, picture books whose pages are turned every few seconds are set to replace current programming on several major TV stations.
While this move is being decried by futurists, it cannot be denied that it provides a greater source of intellectual stimulation than current shows.
What they really need (Score:0, Funny)
They really need to regulate these GPS "systems" - I can't tell you how many times I've driven into walls or bodies of water because the "system" told me to. I think it's the government's responsibility to keep me safe from these nefarious products that seem to be designed to damage my car.
Every few Seconds? (Score:5, Funny)
If I wanted updates on my driving every few seconds, I wouldn't bother to duct tape my wife's mouth.
Re:Bunch of idiots (Score:4, Funny)
Perhaps the windshield is also a problem. NHTSA should require a camera mounted on the front of the vehicle which will render a new image onto an opaque windshield viewscreen every few seconds.
Drivers should not be distracted by any moving imagery.
Re:Want a great example? (Score:5, Funny)
Speedometers are a distraction while driving and constitute a real danger to both the driver and anyone in his immediate vicinity. NHTSA should focus its efforts on banning them, or at the least, blanking them (and all other dashboard instruments) while the car is in motion.
Also something needs to be done about drivers who are bobbing their heads around to the beat of the music they are listening to. They are clearly in a state of distraction and are also a distraction to other drivers. Cops should have the authority to pull them over, take their driver license on the spot, and assure that they will no longer pose an immediate hazard by confiscating the vehicle's sparkplug wires.
Re:Screen (Score:5, Funny)
Glancing at a screen from time to time, while listening to the audio directions is really not much of a distraction. I am stuck delivering pizza at the moment...
But posting to Slashdot while driving a car is downright dangerous!