gavriil

Complex cockpit control systems like BMW’s controversial iDrive could be outlawed by US safety legislators.

The shock idea is raised in a discussion document published last week in the US by NHTSA, a government road safety agency. It is investigating the complexity of cockpit design, including controls, gauges and warning lights.

It also launches a consultation process on how to legislate for multi-function controls: ‘We seek [public] comment on whether the selection of some controller/multi-task display combinations are, or could become, too complex for some drivers.’

The discussion document reveals that Porsche and Mazda have asked for clarification of the rules governing a ‘combination multi-function switch/ rotary dial’, suggesting they too are developing iDrive rivals.

US law requires a display and its control to be adjacent to each other, to make information systems easier to use. However, this does not currently apply to joystick controls and TV displays.

gavriil

Hehehe.... I am loving this... I dont think it will happen though.

Crazy Bimmer

thats dumb if they ban this and not cell phones.

1SICKLEX

BAN IT!!!!

dets

if they ban this, who knows what else they willl think of. its completly unneccesary

SiGGy

Technically wouldn't the controls on our steering wheel for the radio be banned?

And here's a stretch, but would this include cruise control too. Do they need to put the curise buttons next to the speedo?

I had never heard of this... wierd...

LOL, poor BMW.. hehe

Red Nj-s

I don't like this one bit. Who is to say what can be put in cars. My point being that people can find a thousand and one ways to distract themselves in a car, where does the ball stop?

Are they going to give all drivers aderol so they stay focused?

TypeSAddict

However, I feel a bit of Acura pride seeing how much better they are at integrating technology into the car.

Chaptorial

I don't think they should ban it, however making it so you can only use it while parked would be better. IMO.

heyitsme

that would be funny if they did, i-drive is different than buttons on a steering wheel do to the fact that its layers of commands.

RandyMax

neoprufrok

Hmmm.. mine as well ban coffee. This is pretty dumb. Idrive is complex, but nobody should regulate it.

Edward'TLS

But if you've to go inside several selection menu in order to turn on the, say, rear windshield defogger, this is a driving hazard. Not all rich people are as smart as we are. So if the system is overly complex to operate, it should be regulated.

Gilgamesh

They could, but remember, that conrols your HVAC and Radio too...I would say do that though...unintegrate it so far...and then deactivate it, unless there is weight in the passenger seat, and the seat belt is in...then unlock it so that the pass. can use it. I wish they had done that on my car

1SICKLEX

I mean, it's dumb for the government to step in and ban it but it is DUMBER for the ULTIMATE DRIVING MACHINE, a focking DRIVER'S CAR to lose their DRIVER'S ORINENTED interiors and give DRIVER'S this complicated CRAP.

Gilgamesh

shaHn78

Wasnt the whole idea behind iControl to make multi-function control EASIER??

neoprufrok

True... the hvac and radio controls should be quickly accessibile without mulitple steps.. that definitely should be fixed.. but not regulated.