During the National Distracted Driving Awareness month of April, Police across the United States are carrying out a number of “zero tolerance” exercises aimed at picking up drivers ignoring Distracted Driving legislation.

While much of the public focus has been aimed at cellphone use, it is important to note that much of the current Distracted Driving laws also prohibit the use of electronic devices and visual displays whilst driving.

Three examples of the use of such technology in cars – picked from the news archives this morning (the numbers do NOT include cellphone users):

  • Central Valley law enforcement officers issued 39 citations for texting or reading an electronic device while driving during a “Zero Tolerance” campaign April 4-5.
  • Buffalo Grove police in Illinois are cracking down on drivers using electronic communication devices throughout April as part of National Distracted Driving Awareness Month. In Illinois a driver may not compose, read or send any electronic messages. Additionally, they cannot access email or request to access an Internet site. Drivers cannot surf the web, update Facebook, use an application or download music while driving, Buffalo Grove police emphasized.
  • During a two-day “zero tolerance” patrol by the California Highway Patrol’s Valley Division in the Sacramento region on April 5-6, Twelve people were cited for texting or reading an electronic device while driving. UPDATE: The preliminary figures for this 2 day exercise actually show that 195 people were cited for using an electronic device (other than a mobile phone) –  see http://laist.com/2011/04/11/at_least_2187_citations_issued_duri.php

These are by no means the only examples of Police targeting use of devices other than cellphones.

Much legislation specifically prohibits use of visual display devices and computers/laptops while driving and it is important that drivers and employers are aware of this legislation and, particularly in the case of employers, ensure that they provide their workforce with the technology and policies to conform to the legislation.

About Blank-IT:

Blank-IT is designed specifically to address the problem of driver distraction and use of in-car and in-cab computers and laptops. It is easily installed, doesn’t rely on 3rd party input such as GPS, is fully customisable for different working environments and will help you conform with distracted driving legislation.

We also work closely with mounting system manufacturers such as Tempus to provide you with complete solutions to any in-vehicle display management requirement.

Find out more today at Blank-IT – or contact us on 08 9486 7122 (if calling from outside Australia: +61 8 9486 7122).