Industry News from Yes Insurance

Allowing passengers to watch DVDs in the car could be putting other road users at risk.

New research shows that a large number of drivers are distracted by the screens on the backs of seats in other vehicles, reports the Australian Daily Telegraph.

Around 80 per cent of those asked who noticed the screens admitted that they paid at least some attention to what they were showing.

Researchers at the University of New South Wales also found that motorists' ability was affected, which could lead to more car insurance claims.

A simulation showed that those who look at the screens drive and brake slower than non-distracted drivers.

It also highlighted that the screen-watchers varied their in-lane position when turning a corner.

"Quite a lot of the car manufacturers are starting to put them in their luxury models, so they [entertainment screens] will be an increasing issue,' said Dr Julie Hatfield, who led the research.

"People do attend to them and when they do attend to them it impairs their driving.'

Current laws state that drivers must not be able to see the screen which is in their own car, but there is no law to say other drivers must not be able to as well.

Dr Hatfield says although she is concerned about the findings, in-car DVD players need not become a thing of the past.

She calls for better technology, which allows people in the car to see the screen, but does not distract other drivers.

"That way you get the benefits of having the kids occupied in the back, without distracting neighbouring drivers," said Dr Hatfield.

© Adfero Ltd