Just about every navigation app warns users to set their mobile devices aside as they follow the prompts of the voice guidance, but proposed legislation from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration could move beyond warnings and enact restrictions on the software.
Much like restrictions the NHTSA places on navigation systems implemented by automakers, the organization has been seeking to regulate the use and development of navigation apps used on smartphones and other mobile devices. Automakers have willingly accepted restrictions and recommendations made by the NHTSA on navigation systems in automobiles.
Unlike the auto industry, Silicon Valley has been much less receptive in the face of increased regulation of navigation apps. There have been no plans revealing how the NHTSA would regulate navigation apps, but the organization has taken steps to assert its authority over them.
As the Obama administration seeks to push the Grow America Act, legislation that seeks to create jobs through infrastructure and transportation projects, the NHTSA has sought to attach a measure to the bill that would give the department authority over navigation apps and their usage. Congress has been expected to pass the act, along with the NHTSA's measure.
The debate over the measure has focused on several issues that could arise, if the NHTSA gains the authority to regulate navigation software on mobile devices.
Some software companies feared the NHTSA will use its new authority to mandate changes to navigation apps that are still in development, though the organization stated that it wouldn't take such measures. While technology firms fight the NHTSA's proposed measures, the group asserts that it's merely seeking to solidify in writing powers that it already has.
On the consumer side of the issue, the gray area surrounding attempts to eliminate disctracted driving may expand and result in more cases of drivers penalized for what appeared to be the use of a mobile device. Consumers are likely to argue that it's too difficult to determine whether or not an individual was manipulating the navigation software while driving.
There are 13 states with laws that prevent distracted driving by banning the any usage of mobile devices while operating a motor vehicle and there are 44 states with restrictions on text messaging while driving, according to the Governors Highway Safety Association. While the types of data that is collected varies, all states but two collect information from mobile devices in the aftermath of crashes, according to the GHSA.
