While the tentative measure might keep drivers' eyes on the road, there are concerns that it could go too far. Would the agency have to screen phone apps before they launch? Advocate groups like the Intelligent Car Coalition also contend that the government would have trouble keeping up with the rapid pace of navigation software development. Regulators are trying to assuage those fears, however; they've pledged to take a largely reactive approach that only asks for changes when features prove to be too dangerous. That promise won't satisfy critics who believe that any rules would stifle innovation, but it suggests that the government's safety gurus are aware of the potential pitfalls.

[Image credit: Karlis Dambrans, Flickr]