using a mounted tablet while driving - legal?

[nish81]

The initial message was deleted from this topic on 18 October 2017 at 22:10

[Durzel]

Not illegal, no. What you're essentially describing are the functions of an in car system albeit one not integrated and with a larger screen.

If you started watching YouTube or something then you could be done for DWDCA if spotted, though.

[hutchst]

They should be illegal IMHO.

Simple way would be to disable most functions on integrated touch screen systems while the vehicle is moving and just provide information only. Pull over and stop if you need to input data. That would render your smartphone or tablet illegal however it was mounted unless it was similarly disabled while in motion.

The technology exists. The bluetooth phone capability on my 2014 Toyota Prado is limited to pretty much answering and ending calls only while I'm moving, but has full contact list dialling and other functions of my phone when I'm stationary.

I personally find it scary fiddling with on screen aircon settings and stuff while I'm supposed to be driving.

[Heres Johnny]

I remember reading something at the time but after searching the net this is the nearest I can find - it suggests the law now applies to any internet connected device, so that would fall into the same category as a mobile if correct

http://www.leicestermercury.co.uk/driving-law-chan...

[Sa Calobra]

Would you be in proper control of the vehicle if you can scroll, select, open menus etc?

Yes I know cars (BMW idrive) however it's not rocket science if you'd do this WHILE driving and seen not looking at the road then you aren't in proper control.

[Dave Hedgehog]

Sa Calobra said:

Would you be in proper control of the vehicle if you can scroll, select, open menus etc?

Yes I know cars (BMW idrive) however it's not rocket science if you'd do this WHILE driving and seen not looking at the road then you aren't in proper control.

An iPad is less complicated than most modern infortainment systems and a lot of the functionality it can do can be done on google or car play with cars that have it fitted

[Sa Calobra]

Ok. Let's simplify this.

Is it common sense to have the distraction and temptation to use a device in slow crawling traffic?

[Dave Hedgehog]

Sa Calobra said:

Ok. Let's simplify this.

Is it common sense to have the distraction and temptation to use a device in slow crawling traffic?

No different to playing with the 100s of other car functions / sat nav

Driver has a duty to ensure they are driving to an appropriate standard, if they are doing that there is no issue

[Don]

Dave Hedgehog said:

Sa Calobra said:

Ok. Let's simplify this.

Is it common sense to have the distraction and temptation to use a device in slow crawling traffic?

No different to playing with the 100s of other car functions / sat nav

Driver has a duty to ensure they are driving to an appropriate standard, if they are doing that there is no issue

I agree. Drivers are responsible for driving safely and with full attention on the road at all times. If they need to make control movements with the car I don't care if that's a switch or a virtual button on a screen (a la Tesla). The technology does not absolve them of the responsibility for driving safely, whilst providing significant advantage in terms of user interface, navigation and so on.

On a totally disconnected issue: my smartphone stays locked in the boot whilst I am driving. As a PASSENGER though I expect it to keep working no matter what speed I am doing.

[Don]

Oh... and watching video whilst driving? Instant year long ban, IMO. There's no excuse for that. I've gone over every scenario I can think of and there's just no possible use for video whilst driving. Audio, Yes, video, No. Eyes need to be on the road.

[akirk]

lets think...

Tesla
Volvo
RR Velar
etc

all got mounted tablets - no different, would be an interesting exercise in law to specify the difference betweem use of a mounted tablet fitted by you and by the manufacturer...

does type approval on a car look at safety in using touchscreens while moving?

[Sa Calobra]

Tesla etc- when in motion are all function available or does it grey out?

You'd have to be Abit of a Wally to be driving anywhere and actively scrolling and seeking information with your full attention off hazards and your driving.

Can we agree on that much?

That then falls into driving without due care and attention which isnt legal.

[Sa Calobra]

It comes back to coming sense. Does this seem or feel right in the circumstances? No. Then it's unsafe. Which means?


Adults have driving licences. They aren't children

[Don]

Sa Calobra said:

Tesla etc- when in motion are all function available or does it grey out?

You'd have to be Abit of a Wally to be driving anywhere and actively scrolling and seeking information with your full attention off hazards and your driving.

Can we agree on that much?

That then falls into driving without due care and attention which isnt legal.

Agree.

I suspect that the Tesla has a "driving" mode and a "stationary" mode for its built in screen. We need the expertise of a Tesla owner to confirm.

My Nissan Leaf's functions are all available all of the time via it's mounted screen. There's a bunch of stuff you wouldn't dream of doing whilst in motion, though, and apart from a disclaimer at the beginning Nissan leaves you to decide what's safe and what isn't. I wouldn't consider even changing the music with it, myself. I just Pause and then ask Siri to sort it out hands free and with my eyes on the road.

I agree that messing about with details, even on a mounted screen, might well constitute Driving Without Due Care.

They key thing is that attentive drivers who keep their eyes largely on the road and flick their eyes to the readouts and controls briefly and safely are driving responsibly. Its the gimboids that look at their texts for a minute at a time without looking up that need locking up, frankly.

[DoubleD]

Don said:

As a PASSENGER though I expect it to keep working no matter what speed I am doing.

No NEED to SHOUT

[Big Al.]

It would appear that we already have a thread running regarding this topic here:-

http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...