U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood proposed voluntary steps that would establish new safety criteria for hands-free calling, navigation, and entertainment systems that have become common in new cars and trucks.

The guidelines are mainly an attempt to reach younger drivers, who are the most inexperienced and whose daily lives are most influenced by wireless technology.

“Distracted driving is a dangerous and deadly habit on America’s roadways — that’s why I’ve made it a priority to encourage people to stay focused behind the wheel,” LaHood said.

Distracted driving deaths totaled 3,092 in 2010, the latest available figures show. But LaHood’s agency believes the total could be higher due to the unwillingness of drivers to always admit behavior, lack of witnesses to a crash in some cases, or the death of the driver.

The guidelines announced last Thursday would cover standard and optional systems not directly relevant to safe driving or that cause “undue distraction” by engaging the driver’s eyes or hands for more than a brief moment. The proposal recommends disabling in-vehicle electronic devices that the driver could use when a car is moving. This would cover text messaging, Internet browsing, and access to social media.

Obviously driver safety is of the utmost priority for all concerned. The startling statistics that have been coming out about cell phone use while driving and the influence they have on accidents is just jaw dropping. That's why at Roger L. Stevens Insurance, we whole heartedly support the idea of responsible, safe driving practices as well making sure you're covered should someone else not support that idea. We strive to supply you with as many options as possible; thus enabling our comprehensive insurance strategies to provide you with the opportunity to custom build a policy that meets all of your California auto insurance requirements.

As always … it's best to have the security of protection but live with the intent of avoiding its usage.