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New DVD danger on the highway

Road safety campaigners have expressed alarm at the increasing number of motorists using DVD players to watch films as they drive.

A big fall in the price of portable DVD players designed for use in cars has led to rocketing demand for the devices. Many parents have come to rely on them to entertain children on long journeys.

But in some instances the screens of car DVD players, which are designed to fit behind a headrest for back-seat passengers, are being strapped to sun visors or dashboards to be viewed by drivers. Although no accident involving drivers watching DVDs has yet been reported to police, anecdotal evidence of their use is growing.

"Any motorist using one of these players while he or she drives is morally irresponsible and a risk to everyone on the road, including themselves," said Zoe Stow, chairman of the charity RoadPeace,

Some safety experts argue that when the devices are used to distract children they can help drivers to concentrate on the road. But their increased use by drivers has charities and government officials concerned about their contributing to the death toll on Britain's roads.

"Motorists caught watching a DVD while driving are subject to a £30 fixed penalty notice for having a television in view of the driver', said Ruth Bridger, of the AA Motoring Trust. "But those who cause accidents could face criminal prosecution."

A spokesman for the DfT said: "There are only very limited circumstances in which a driver can use a video screen and they are restricted to navigational aides."

The danger to road users is expected to increase towards the end of the year, when the first adaptors for car DVD players to allow them to receive a television signal will be on sale. The devices will allow motorists to view televised sports events such as football and cricket matches.

For full article visit: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2005/08/21/ndvd21.xml