FCC to hold workshop on distracted driving

The FCC is following through with its promise to evaluate technologies that could help curb distracted driving. The agency, which was directed by members of Congress to come up with ideas over the past two weeks, announced it will be holding a staff workshop on Nov. 20 at 9 a.m.

In two hearings--one in the House and another in the Senate--lawmakers asked FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski for specifics on how certain technologies, such as hands-free systems or RFID sensors, could be used to help reduce the distraction level of cellphone use while driving. Genachowski said the answer to that question would need more research. Last week the Department of Transportation and FCC created a joint task force to address the safety issue. This site has more details about the agency's initiatives.