Federal safety regulators say auto dashboards are becoming an arcade of text messages, GPS images, phone calls and web surfing, so they're asking carmakers to help curb the distractions when vehicles are moving.

Manufacturers have been loading up higher-end vehicles with an array of built-in gadgets in an effort to tempt car buyers who want to multi-task behind the wheel. But the technological advances have raised concerns that drivers' attention is being diverted too much from the road.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is proposing voluntary guidelines for manufacturers, including a recommendation that they design dashboards that automatically disable distracting devices unless the vehicle is stopped and the transmission is in park.

The Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers says carmakers will review the guidelines. A spokeswoman says the industry has had voluntary guidelines for 10 years.

 

(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)

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