We came across a very useful resource provided by the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA)  regarding use of video display devices in the vehicle.

This resource from the CEA pulls together information about each U.S. State’s laws regarding use of electronic/video displays in the car. For the most part, most probably due to historical reasons, these refer to ‘video’ displays in the context of TV transmissions but obviously the same dangers (and more) are posed by the driver’s use of computers – which is just the issue Blank-it is designed to address.

Here are a few examples from the list:

  • District of Columbia: “No television equipment shall be installed in or on any motor vehicle in a manner which will make the reception of the television visible to the vehicle operator while the vehicle is in motion.”
  • Florida: “No motor vehicle operated on the highways of this state shall be equipped with television-type receiving equipment so located that the viewer or screen is visible from the driver’s seat.”
  • Maine: “A person may not operate a motor vehicle equipped with a television viewer, screen or other means of visually receiving a television broadcast that is visible to the operator. This section does not apply to a law enforcement officer using a video camera or other video equipment for law enforcement purposes.”
  • New Jersey: “It shall be unlawful to operate upon any public highway a motor vehicle which is equipped with or in which is located a television set so placed that the viewing screen thereof is visible to the driver while operating such vehicle.”

See the full CEA resource here: http://www.ce.org/Consumer-Info/Car-Electronics/Got-It/State-Laws-for-Electronics-Use-in-the-Car.aspx

Most of the emphasis on driver distraction policies and laws to date has been on the use of cellphones, but we have consistently stressed the similar dangers posed by computer use in the vehicle.

At Blank-it, we know that driver distraction should be a primary area of concern for all drivers and employers, one that has to be addressed through policy, education and the use of technology-based solutions.

Blank-it has been designed specifically to address the problem of driver distraction caused by in-vehicle 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 businesses conform to distracted driving legislation and OH&S requirements.