GM Launches "SenseAble" Driving Program
IVsource.net
30 November 2000

GM continues to play an aggressive role in developing and marking telematics systems that deliver lots of utility without undermining the driver's job of safely operating the vehicle.  SenseAble is a new research and education program recently announced by GM Chairman Jack Smith.

GM Chairman John F. "Jack" Smith, Jr. addressed the International Congress on Transportation Electronics Convergence 2000, saying "General Motors has been at the forefront of delivering the communication features customers want in the safe manner they deserve since the introduction of OnStar in 1996.  Today, General Motors takes that commitment one step further with 'SenseAble driving,' a common-sense program that combines technology, research, and education.  This effort will identify new ways to improve the technology, while at the same time raise public awareness about the dangers posed by the wide variety of distractions faced by drivers."

Concerns over distraction caused by in-vehicle devices has risen steeply in 2000, fueled by reports of highway tragedies involving drivers using hand-held cell phones.  The issue has been given airtime at government hearings, and lawmakers have begun to draft legislation while regulators call for more research and education.  The auto industry knows that it must take a lead role in addressing this issue if telematics implementation is to continue without finding itself restricted by local, state, or federal legislators.

Pilot Planned in GM's Backyard

The new General Motors program is a three-year, multi-million-dollar commitment.  The research and technology portions of the program have already begun, and the educational components will start this fall with a special pilot effort to reach Michigan drivers through a partnership with the state.  In addition to educational materials distributed through state offices across Michigan, GM will launch public service announcements, advertisements, and educational materials for dealers and customers.  The company also plans a web site that will include an interactive computer exercise to show first-hand the risks of distracted driving .

"We are proud to partner with General Motors in this critical effort and lead the way for the rest of the country," said Candace Miller, Secretary of State for the State of Michigan.  "Clearly there is a need to get the message out to drivers everywhere - hands on the wheel, eyes on the road."

Following a six-month pilot program in Michigan, the program will be rolled out across more states, Smith said.

Delivering the Data on Time ... and Safely

GM's successful OnStar system will be a prime beneficiary of a successful SenseAble program.  OnStar provides a range of in-vehicle safety, security and information services and is completely integrated into the vehicle.  A new OnStar features for the 2001 model year is Personal Calling, which allows subscribers to use speech recognition technology to place hands-free, voice-activated calls on a nationwide wireless network.  The phone is effectively 'invisible, as it is integrated into the vehicle's interior.  There is no handset, and a single button activates the calling feature.

A second feature, OnStar Virtual Advisor, enables subscribers to access personalized Internet-based information such as e-mail, stock quotes, sports reports, news and weather in a hands-free, voice-activated manner while they are on the road.  This information is delivered through the vehicle sound system to help allow drivers to keep their hands on the wheel and their eyes on the road.  There are no screens or displays.

"We have always believed that as far as driver distraction is concerned, OnStar is part of the solution," said Mark Hogan, president of e-GM.  "With OnStar, we have prioritized safety, and we will continue to do so."

Further exemplifying its aggressive stance on safe telematics, GM is the world's only automaker to announce a set of common-sense "guiding principles" to govern the design and use of telematics technology in its vehicles.  "'SenseAble driving' will help us manage the rapid pace of technology by assuring that our choices are guided, at every step of the way, by rigorous research, complemented by education," said Smith.

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