OnStar, a wholly owned GM subsidiary, is the industry's leading provider of in-vehicle safety, security and information services and is completely integrated into the vehicle. OnStar uses the Global Positioning System (GPS) satellite network and cellular technology to link vehicle and driver to the OnStar Center. OnStar is currently available in 1.5 million vehicles representing 36 of GM's 54 brands.
GM has led the industry in the effort to study and address driver distraction. "SenseAble driving," a three-pronged safety initiative combining research, education and technology, was launched in October 2000. Aside from its research initiative, GM was the world's first and only automaker to establish a set of common-sense "guiding principles" to govern the design and use of telematics technology in its vehicles.
In addition, GM has established a pilot program with the Michigan Secretary of State's office to educate drivers about the risks of distracted driving with brochures, posters and a video that are being offered to vehicle registrars' offices nationwide. Another part of the education initiative is GM's Driver Distraction Demonstration (D3), a fun, interactive computer exercise that shows users first-hand the risks of multi-tasking while driving and the need to make sensible choices. D3, as well as other information on "SenseAble driving," can be found at senseabledriving.com and gmability.com.