Watching TV on the move

[joe6]

So the highway code is set to be changed to allow drivers to watch TV while on the move in a self drive car but not use a mobile phone. What is the difference in distraction level between these? Would not want a self drive car but still not sufficiently reliable yet. Is the DfT full of non-drivers?

[jv]

TV requires looking at a screen. Allowing phone usage means I can record my latest TikTok delight, do a spot of online banking, order dinner, sell Bitcoin etc. The level of interaction/distraction is very different.

Best to just let the chauffeur drive.

[SRGTD]

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-61155735

Even if the level of interaction or distraction is very different to using a mobile phone, IMHO it still seems a strange move. The BBC article at the link above states that drivers must be ready to take back control of their driverless vehicle when prompted to do so - presumably being prompted by the car. Would I trust a driverless car to prompt a driver of a potentially hazardous situation that requires them to stop watching a screen and intervene to stop an accident? Hmm…….I don’t think so, especially if the driverless software was developed by the mk8 Golf software developers! 

Interestingly, the BBC article also states that insurance companies and not drivers will be liable for claims in some circumstances where a driverless vehicle is at fault. No doubt we’ll all end up paying more for our insurance to cover the cost of these claims 

[joe6]

Makes things like a dashcam necessary to counter the flawed data gathered by the driverless car when it crashes. More money for lawyers

[Markee]

ACC, lane assist and DSG makes the M5 journey down to Cornwall go a lot quicker, although i do have to keep one hand on the steering wheel otherwise the warning annoyingly keeps waking me up 

 I caught a bit of the article on the news earlier and was quite gobsmacked by it, i live in a house with 3 females and i would say the distraction levels between TV and mobile phones varies by individual/generation. I have been known to text the missus to get a response, even if we are in the same room!