AIAM Supports Bans on Texting and the Use of Hand-Held Phones While Driving

International Automakers laud DOT for hosting Summit on Distracted Driving

ARLINGTON, Va., Sept. 30 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Association of International Automobile Manufacturers, Inc. (AIAM) today announced its support for restrictions on the use of hand-held electronic devices for phone calls and text messaging by drivers while operating motor vehicles. The Association made its announcement on the same day that Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood opened the much-anticipated Summit on Distracted Driving in the nation's capital.

"While automakers have made tremendous strides to improve the protection of vehicle occupants in crashes, more needs to be done to prevent those crashes from happening in the first place," said Michael J. Stanton, President and CEO of AIAM. "AIAM believes an important step forward would be banning drivers from using hand-held devices for texting while driving, as well as using hand-held phones while driving."

AIAM supports Secretary LaHood's initiative in planning and hosting the Summit on Distracted Driving which will provide a much-needed venue for a wide variety of interested parties to examine current research, regulations, and best practices related to the challenges created by driver inattention.

"Distracted driving is a multi-faceted issue and a coordinated effort by all stakeholders is needed to tackle this growing dilemma," said AIAM's Stanton. "We believe that initiatives to address distracted driving should be based on science and data that demonstrate their effectiveness. AIAM looks forward to ongoing collaboration with policymakers and other stakeholders to identify and evaluate potential ways to prevent or mitigate these distractions."

About AIAM

The Association of International Automobile Manufacturers, Inc. (AIAM) is a trade association representing 13 international motor vehicle manufacturers who account for 40 percent of all passenger cars and light trucks sold annually in the United States. AIAM provides members with information, analysis and advocacy on a wide variety of legislative and regulatory issues impacting the auto sector. The Association is dedicated to the promotion of free trade and to policies that enhance motor vehicle safety and the protection of the environment. Member companies include Aston Martin, Ferrari, Maserati, Honda, Hyundai, Isuzu, Kia, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Peugeot, Subaru, Suzuki and Toyota. For more information, visit our website at www.aiam.org.