Drivers have enjoyed the luxury of having directions, social media and planners at the tip of their fingers in their cars, but new guidelines are limiting the amount of attention drivers can give to these systems.
The U.S. Department of Transportation recently announced the first-ever guidelines that were proposed to eliminate the ability to use infotainment system functions while driving.
The agency believes limiting the amount of infotainment allowed while driving will cut down on the number of distractions and accidents.
"We all need to take personal responsibility," said DOT Secretary Ray LaHood to USA Today. "We started this campaign three years ago when no one was taking about distracted driving. We've made a lot of progress. This is our continued drumbeat."
States are now beginning to follow suit by passing laws that are aimed at reduced distracted driving.
The Department of Transportation held distracted-driving summits in 2009 and 2010, but didn't have the event in 2011, which some believe was a result of the issue not being a priority.
With limits being placed on the distracting features, potential car buyers may consider the systems safer than they did prior to regulations and apply for an auto loan or car financing to purchase a vehicle that has an infotainment system installed.
