Should drivers who are operating private vehicles with computerized gadgets affixed to windshields be subject to ticketing? Such devices, mounted to windshields, or that in any way prevent an unobstructed view, are illegal in every state. Still, almost all makers of such devices provide instructions about how to mount these devices to your windshield, and provide the hardware to do so.
The U.S. Dept. of Transportation has recently listed such devices, GPS units and satellite radio receivers, as being contributory to crashes along with cell phone use while driving. Since almost all placement of such devices on windshields is illegal, should citations be issued or should we just go ahead and make it legal for any kind of device to be affixed to windshields at the whim of the driver? Also, what of the growing trend for dash mounted computers and fixtures that allow for a driver to be able to conveniently use their laptops while they are driving? Should such use be legal or illegal? On a tangential note, car makers have struggled with this issue for some time now from a safety standpoint, and for the most part, they have taken the approach that they will go ahead and make such "amenities" available on their models, leaving it up to the purchaser to make the decision about when and where to use them. The industry says that they have to provide these optional devices even though they are aware of the high potential of a negative impact upon safety because of they do not, other makers will, resulting in a loss new car sales. Steve ************************************************************************* ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *************************************************************************
