Telematics, Distractions Debated

TROY, Mich.--Industry experts here will discuss the implications of driver distraction and telematics applications on auto safety at the Society of Plastics Engineers’ (SPE) Global Automotive Safety Conference from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 5, at the Michigan State University Management Education Center.

“The tremendous growth of cell phone usage, e-mail, entertainment and wireless applications in vehicles are reaching record levels, as regulators struggle to determine how and if these electronic devices should be controlled or even banned in vehicles,” said James Cole, driver distraction chairman for the program. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) officials will discuss driver distraction and a new program for on-board electronics and driver performance evaluation.

Automotive suppliers will present safety features and applications of wireless devices to improve on-board safety in the wired world.

Key wireless and telematics presentations will be made by Karenann Terrell, director of e-business at DaimlerChrysler; Mike Miller, advanced telematics research manager at Visteon; Dr. Paul Green, senior research scientist at UMTRI; and Keith Brewer, director of human-centered research for NHTSA.

Consumer safety concerns, particularly vehicle roll over, tire safety and driver distraction, will be on the top agenda of auto industry and government experts at the Global Automotive Safety Conference. The two-day event will include 20 presentations from automotive safety experts and a VIP panel of industry executives. Topics include advanced airbags, head, side and rear vehicle impact, child safety and advances in future vehicle safety.

In addition, an exhibit area will feature the latest displays in safety advancements and new safety component technology.

“Our research indicates that consumers are purchasing vehicles based upon their safety record and advanced safety features,” said Suzanne Cole, chairman of the Global Automotive Safety Conference. “Consumers are demanding safer vehicles in all product categories and manufacturers are recognizing that those concerns are one of the key components in establishing vehicle brand identity,” she added.

“This is a premiere global conference which brings together executives from industry, academia and government to discuss advancements in automotive safety and understand how new government regulations will change the way vehicles are designed,” according to Cole.

For more information, call 248/244-8993 or 810/750-3863; or contact spe@ameriplas.org or Coleauto@tir.com.