A debate over distractions is roaring between auto industry advocates bent on preserving the wizardry of in-car technology and supporters of federal guidelines that could curb its use.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s recent recommendations target car manufacturers and shift the spotlight from hand-held devices to those built into cars. But automakers say — absent parallel cellphone guidelines — the moves intended to thwart distracted driving may wind up fueling it.
“Americans aren’t going to be separated from technology and the connectedness they’ve come to expect,” said Matt Blunt, a former Missouri governor and president of the American Automotive Policy Council. “They are going to want access, and there are two ways to do that. We certainly believe you need to integrate technology into the vehicle rather than forcing people to use hand-helds.”