autoevolution
 

Chrysler Sets Corporate Policy on Texting While Driving

American carmaker Chrysler Group announced today that it now prohibits texting while driving in order to promote safer driving behaviors, therefore becoming the first automaker to establish a corporate policy on texting while driving company-owned vehicles and texting with company-provided communication devices while driving personal vehicles.

"The Chrysler Group values the safety and well-being of employees, customers and communities,"
said Nancy Rae, Executive Vice President - Human Resources, Chrysler Group. "As an automaker, we expect higher driving standards from our work force and business partners as we design products and technology that bring greater levels of safety to our customers and their families."

According to a company statement, Chrysler’s new "texting while driving" policy will take effect immediately.

"A driver's primary responsibility is to be in control of their vehicle; texting while driving clearly interferes with that responsibility,"
said Steve Bartoli, Head of Regulatory Affairs. "Chrysler Group LLC supports initiatives to ban this activity. Additionally, we stand with the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers supporting a ban on hand-held cell phone operation while driving."

Chrysler Group is, in fact, the first North American automaker to offer the hands-free, voice-activated uconnect system with Bluetooth technology. The feature, available on most Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge and Ram vehicles, provides voice-controlled wireless communication between the occupants' compatible mobile phones and the vehicle's onboard receiver.

Uconnect can manage onboard phone-book entries, select radio stations, access the navigation system and retrieve voice mail. Recently, the Chrysler Group announced it will offer text-to-voice/message reader technology in select 2011 model year Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge and Ram vehicles.
If you liked the article, please follow us:  Google News icon Google News Youtube Instagram
 

Would you like AUTOEVOLUTION to send you notifications?

You will only receive our top stories