Multimedia and Car Insurance
In part 1 of this series we looked and the Apple i-pod and Satellite Navigation which have revolutionised driving in the 21st century. The impact on driver distraction whilst at the wheel was discussed and the costs to the motorist through accident leading to increased car insurance and injury.
This article will look at two more popular in-car multimedia systems readily available on today's market and discus the impact on using these devices whilst on the move.
In Car DVD - In car DVD now comes in many forms and the prices vary so dramatically that these systems have become available to a wide array of people. Current legislation defines that it is illegal to use a DVD system within the drivers view while the car is on the move. This doesn't stop systems being used in other areas of the car while on a journey. The systems have become very popular with families in an attempt to keep the children occupied in the back seat whilst on long journeys. Surely this is a good thing as it allows the driver to keep full concentration on the road ahead.
Some manufactures of up front in car DVD systems have combated the problem of abuse by installing safety measures that only allow the system to be used while the car is in park mode.
The problem is that some drivers are still abusing the system and by using a DVD player in the front of the vehicle the driver can be distracted. If you are caught you face the prospect of a fixed fine, penalty points and subsequently higher car insurance premiums.
In Car Games Consoles - Although not extremely common throughout the motoring industry in car games consoles are readily available. These systems allow the user to play their favourite games whilst in transit. They have pretty much the same effect as a DVD player and used in the correct way can make a journey more bearable for the passengers and allow the driver to give their full concentration to the road. But abusing these devices can be both dangerous for the occupants of the car and other road users.
Being caught abusing these systems can carry similar penalties to an in car DVD system, expect a heavy fine and penalty points added to your licence.
The fact is that the government banned the use of mobile phones while driving in your car without the use of a hands free system for a reason. It was proven that the use of a mobile phone without a hands free system greatly increased your risk of accident and lead to increased car insurance claims and motoring injuries/deaths.
So with everyone going out and spending hundreds of pounds on in car entertainment which is distracting the motoring community can we expect a ban on other in car entertainment? I think the answer is yes.
I believe the government will address the situation by bringing in stringent guidelines and heavy fines accompanied by penalty points for drivers caught abusing in car multi media. If you really want that in car DVD player or need that Sat Nav then follow current legislation, buy a product that will eliminate the need for your concentration to stray from the road and just use a little common sense.
