The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has released proposed guidelines to help address driver distraction tied to cell phones and other mobile and aftermarket electronic devices.

The Nov. 23 announcement covers the second phase of voluntary guidelines aimed at addressing driver distraction on U.S. roads. The first phase focused on devices or systems built into the vehicle at the time of manufacture.

“As millions of Americans take to the roads for Thanksgiving gatherings, far too many are put at risk by drivers who are distracted by their cellphones,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx. “These commonsense guidelines, grounded in the best research available, will help designers of mobile devices build products that cut down on distraction on the road.”

The proposed voluntary guidelines are intended to help inspire developers of portable and aftermarket electronic devices to create products that reduce the potential for driver distraction, according to NHTSA. The guidelines encourage manufacturers to implement features such as pairing, where a portable device is linked to a vehicle’s infotainment system, as well as Driver Mode, which is a simplified user interface.

Both pairing and Driver Mode will reduce the potential for unsafe driver distraction by limiting the time a driver’s eyes are off the road, NHTSA said. At the same time, these features preserve the full functionality of the devices when they’re used at other times.

“NHTSA has long encouraged drivers to put down their phones and other devices, and just drive,” said NHTSA Administrator Mark Rosekind. “With driver distraction, one of the factors behind the rise of traffic fatalities, we are committed to working with the industry to ensure that mobile devices are designed to keep drivers’ eyes where they belong — on the road.”

The agency is seeking public comments on its proposed guidelines. You can submit written comments at Regulations.gov.

NHTSA continues to urge motorists to take the following safety precautions to minimize distraction while driving:

• Be a safe, distraction-free driver. Put your cell phone down and focus on the road.

• When using electronic devices for directions, set the destination prior to driving.

• Speak up when you’re a passenger and your driver uses an electronic device while driving. Offer to call or text for the driver, so his or her full attention stays on the driving task.

• Always wear your seat belt. Seat belts are the best defense against other unsafe drivers.