The US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has proposed the first-ever guidelines to encourage automobile manufacturers to limit the driver distraction risk for in-vehicle electronic devices.

The proposed voluntary guidelines would apply to communications, entertainment, information gathering and navigation devices or functions that are not required to safely operate the vehicle.

US transportation secretary Ray LaHood said: "Distracted driving is a dangerous and deadly habit on America’s roadways – that’s why I’ve made it a priority to encourage people to stay focused behind the wheel.

"These guidelines are a major step forward in identifying real solutions to tackle the issue of distracted driving for drivers of all ages."

NHTSA administrator David Strickland said the administration recognises that vehicle manufacturers want to build vehicles that include the tools and conveniences expected by today’s American drivers.

"The guidelines we’re proposing would offer real-world guidance to automakers to help them develop electronic devices that provide features consumers want — without disrupting a driver’s attention or sacrificing safety," Strickland added.

The guidelines would establish specific recommended criteria for electronic devices installed in vehicles at the time they are manufactured that require visual or manual operation by drivers.

NHTSA stated the guidelines proposed are the first in a series of guidance documents the agency plans to issue to address sources of distraction that require use of the hands and / or diversion of the eyes from the primary task of driving.

The proposed Phase I guidelines recommends that manufacturers should ensure the in vehicle devices are less distracting , limited device operation to one hand only and limit individual off-road glances required for device operation for no more than two seconds, among others.

In the future, Phase II guidelines might address devices or systems that are not built into the vehicle but are brought into the vehicle and used while driving. These include aftermarket and portable personal electronic devices such as navigation systems, smart phones, electronic tablets and pads, and other mobile communications devices.

A third set of proposed guidelines may address voice-activated controls to further minimize distraction in factory-installed, aftermarket, and portable devices.