CEA Reminds Drivers to Watch the Road and Drive Smart With the Help of In-Car Technologies

ARLINGTON, Va.--April 24, 2006--As the busy summer driving season nears, the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA(R)) is reminding drivers that mobile electronics can help them watch the road while keeping passengers entertained.

Fiddling with items such as maps and dealing with unruly children are known driver distractions. Mobile video and GPS systems help eliminate these issues by providing an easy way to keep children entertained while in the car and enable "hands-free" navigation for drivers. Indeed, mobile video and GPS navigation systems are quickly becoming must-have tools inside the vehicle. According to CEA market research, over 1 million car navigation systems will be sold in 2006.

"Silence is really golden when it comes to a rear-seat entertainment system. As any parent will attest, disorderly children can really be a distraction on those long road trips," said Gary Shapiro, CEA's president and CEO. "With turn-by-turn voice prompts and point-to-point visual mapping, GPS navigation systems allow drivers to keep their eyes on the road rather than worrying with folding and unfolding maps.

"Consumers are realizing the benefits of in-car entertainment and navigation systems. When used properly, these products are great tools that help drivers focus on the road. Consumers need to remember to follow state laws, watch the road and use common sense when putting these and other products to work," Shapiro added.

The newest features and accessories on cellular phones also are helping minimize driver distraction. From wireless headsets and speakerphone functions to voice or one touch dialing, the latest handset features and accessories allow drivers to keep their hands on the wheel and their eyes on the road.

"While accessory items and embedded features help minimize driver distraction, nothing replaces simple common-sense when using a cell phone in the car," noted Shapiro. "Pull over to the side of the road to dial manually, know the features and functions of your phone before you drive and allow voice mail to pick up your calls if you are driving - these are all simple and commonsensical steps we can all take to minimize distraction from in-car cell phone use."

For guidelines on the correct usage of in-car technologies, CEA is promoting its C.A.R. acronym: Consult your owner's manual for proper use. Assure that your system is safely installed by a Mobile Electronics Certified Professional (MECP). Remember, video monitors that are visible to the driver should be used for information only while the vehicle is in gear. Drive safely by letting your passengers be the ones entertained.

For more information, visit www.DigitalDriver.org.

About CEA:

The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) is the preeminent trade association promoting growth in the consumer technology industry through technology policy, events, research, promotion and the fostering of business and strategic relationships. CEA represents more than 2,100 corporate members involved in the design, development, manufacturing, distribution and integration of audio, video, mobile electronics, wireless and landline communications, information technology, home networking, multimedia and accessory products, as well as related services that are sold through consumer channels. Combined, CEA's members account for more than $125 billion in annual sales. CEA's resources are available online at www.CE.org, the definitive source for information about the consumer electronics industry.

CEA also sponsors and manages the International CES - Defining Tomorrow's Technology. All profits from CES are reinvested into industry services, including technical training and education, industry promotion, engineering standards development, market research and legislative advocacy.

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