Federal Register #NHTSA-2025-0059

NHTSA Research Study on Safety Impacts of Modern Vehicle Voice Command Interfaces

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), under the Department of Transportation, is seeking public comment on an Information Collection Request (ICR) to support research on the safety impacts of modern vehicle voice command interfaces (VCIs). - Government Buyer: - National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) - Office of Vehicle Safety Research, Human Factors/Engineering Integration Division - OEMs and Vendors: - No specific OEMs or vendors are named as direct suppliers, but the study will evaluate systems from: - Google (Android Auto, Google Built-In) - Apple (Apple CarPlay) - Various vehicle manufacturers' proprietary VCI systems - Products/Services Requested: - Research study involving 144 participants using driving simulators to assess the effects of VCIs on driver distraction, cognitive workload, and performance - Data collection using NHTSA forms (Form 2071 through 2079) for eligibility, scheduling, consent, health surveys, and study assessments - Evaluation of at least six different VCI systems - Unique or Notable Requirements: - Strict participant eligibility criteria (age 18-70, hearing, vision, driving experience, health status) - Technology-neutral analysis (no preference for specific VCI brands or platforms) - Focus on safety-critical metrics: lane position, speed variability, eye-tracking, pupil diameter, heart rate variability - Study designed to minimize participant burden and ensure balanced representation

Description

This notice announces that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) intends to submit an Information Collection Request (ICR) to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for approval. The collection aims to conduct research on safety-related aspects of modern voice command interfaces (VCIs), specifically their effects on distracted driving behavior and cognitive workload. The study will involve collecting data from individuals aged 18 to 70 in the Torrance, California area, with a target sample of 144 valid datasets. Comments on the information collection must be submitted by August 24, 2026.

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