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Title: When DVDs Kill... Post by: Paelos on July 27, 2004, 11:45:52 AM A Case in Alaska (http://www.cnn.com/2004/LAW/07/27/dvd.traffic.death.ap/index.html) is examining the use of DVD viewers in relation to an accident that occured where a driver killed two people by coming across the yellow lines. The driver is charged with second-degree murder in connection with the fact that he was allegedly watching a DVD while driving his car.
Usually, the DVD players have safety devices that do not allow them to operate unless the vehicle is in park, but the driver installed the device himself and thus bypassed those methods. The case itself boils down to a he-said/she-said of the driver denying that he was watching the movie and the prosecution relying on the circumstancial evidence of the installation. The case itself is flimsy, especially for a murder count, but the question it raises is better. Should these players EVER be allowed by law to be in the front seats of cars? I personally believe they shouldn't. If there is any reason to watch a movie in the car while in park, I see no reason why you can't get out and hop in the back seat. To me, the front mounted viewers represent more of a potential for abuse and serve only the purpose of getting drivers into trouble on the road. Those that want to entertain young ones on long trips can have them in the back with no issues, but the moment they get close to the driver, bad things happen. Title: When DVDs Kill... Post by: HaemishM on July 27, 2004, 01:00:42 PM I'm of the opinion they should not be in the front seat, as there is already enough temptation to not pay fucking attention to the road while driving. From doing your makeup to fucking with the radio to blathering on your cellphone (which ought to be illegal BTW), you do not need to see a DVD while you are driving unless your car is being handled by fucking Kit.
Title: When DVDs Kill... Post by: Riggswolfe on July 27, 2004, 03:58:40 PM This really seems like a no-brainer to me to be honest. No DvDs in the front seat. I mean, until we have a sci-fi robot car that drives itself we need nothing up there that can distract the driver.
Title: When DVDs Kill... Post by: geldonyetich on July 27, 2004, 04:07:27 PM Seriously. Do we read books while driving? If the plaintiff is correct and this guy was distracted by a DVD when driving, the driver's a grade-A dumbass. (Of course, if there was nobody else in the car, all they really have to prove is that the DVD was playing at all.)
Title: When DVDs Kill... Post by: Murgos on July 27, 2004, 04:28:28 PM Quote from: geldonyetich Seriously. Do we read books while driving? I've seen it done. Title: When DVDs Kill... Post by: Alkiera on July 27, 2004, 08:51:36 PM Quote from: HaemishM to blathering on your cellphone (which ought to be illegal BTW) In New York State, it is. Punishable by a $200 fine. Whether it is effective at reducing the number of accidents caused by them should be studied. -- Alkiera Title: When DVDs Kill... Post by: Ironwood on July 28, 2004, 01:42:57 AM Quote from: Alkiera Quote from: HaemishM to blathering on your cellphone (which ought to be illegal BTW) In New York State, it is. Punishable by a $200 fine. Whether it is effective at reducing the number of accidents caused by them should be studied. -- Alkiera Ditto the UK. First fine for this new law occurred in Scotland. Hooray for the Scottish Dumbasses. Title: When DVDs Kill... Post by: DarkDryad on July 28, 2004, 05:02:11 AM Quote from: Ironwood Quote from: Alkiera Quote from: HaemishM to blathering on your cellphone (which ought to be illegal BTW) In New York State, it is. Punishable by a $200 fine. Whether it is effective at reducing the number of accidents caused by them should be studied. -- Alkiera Ditto the UK. First fine for this new law occurred in Scotland. Hooray for the Scottish Dumbasses. As a transplanted Scott allow me to say: Bugger off my godd man. |