GM outlines tech and funding push on distracted driving

General Motors has outlined its approach to tackling distracted driving, combining in-vehicle technology with philanthropic investment in road safety programmes. The company said it has invested more than US$40m in road safety initiatives over the past two years, resulting in around 700,000 people pledging to help prevent distracted driving.

On the technology side, GM introduced Driver Attention Assist on select 2024 models, using a camera and sensors to detect signs of distraction or drowsiness and alert the driver via gauge cluster displays, chimes or haptic seat vibration. A 2025 update, Driver Attention Assist 2.0, adds the ability to detect an unresponsive driver, slow the vehicle to a stop and contact OnStar. All 2026 GM models offer hands-free phone calling via Bluetooth, with most also supporting natural voice controls for navigation, climate and media.

GM cited National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) data recording more than 3,200 fatalities and an estimated 315,000 injuries from crashes involving distracted drivers in 2024.

In a statement, Dan Glaser, GM’s lead engineer for driver distraction, said: “A single, seemingly trivial, glance from the road, if poorly timed, can be deadly. When you’re behind the wheel, your primary job is driving.”

Source: GM