RELATED INFORMATION:
Fact Sheet: SYNC with Traffic, Directions and Information
Fact Sheet: Reducing Driver Distractions
Soundbites: Text Messaging and Distracted Driving
SYNC Distraction Research
NOTE TO EDITOR: The following is a statement from Sue Cischke, Group Vice President for Sustainability, Environment and Safety Engineering:
WASHINGTON, D.C., September 10, 2009 – “At Ford, we think driver distraction is a critically important issue. Drivers experience many different types of distractions on a daily basis. Drivers are going to have conversations, read maps and directions, and listen to music while they drive. The most complete and most recent research shows that activity that draws drivers' eyes away from the road for an extended period while driving, such as text messaging, substantially increases the risk of accidents. Ford believes hands-free, voice-activated technology substantially reduces that risk by allowing drivers to keep their hands on the wheel and eyes on the road. Ford supports a ban on hand-held text messaging while driving – and we endorse the legislation introduced by Senator Charles E. Schumer (D-NY) and Rep. Carolyn McCarthy (D-NY) that would encourage a more rapid transition to hands-free and voiceactivated technologies. This legislative approach addresses a nationwide problem we can all agree is necessary to improve safety.”