DVD & Driving Distractions

I write this article as a concerned consumer who knows that the chances of any action being taken as a result of my voice are slim. However, by writing this in black and white, I am giving myself a clear conscience; I've done my part. From here forward, the message of this opinion is in your hands, and becomes your responsibility.

I've noticed that recently companies are producing vehicles that have televisions hanging from the ceiling for the pleasure of those riding in the backseats. While I wholeheartedly agree that this feature greatly benefits many consumers, especially those with young children, I have to wonder if the great minds who invented this concept considered the safety of others driving nearby.

On my way to my parent's house for Thanksgiving last year, I found myself driving a very dark stretch of I-65 fairly late in the evening. In the other lane, I noticed another vehicle that had one of these televisions playing some movie.

If you have yet to realize where I am going with this letter, please take a second to re-examine the previous paragraph. Now, let me paint the picture a little more vividly for you It's late, and I'm tired. I'm on my way home for Thanksgiving. It's dark outside, and there are no streetlights guiding my way on the interstate. All the sudden, a car comes up next to me, with a movie playing from the television hanging down from the ceiling. This is the only source of light currently outside my car, so my attention immediately went to the screen of the TV in the car next to me.

Thankfully, it only took me a couple seconds to realize that unconsciously, I had slowed to match the speed of the other vehicle, and I was driving a little too close to comfort to the car, simply in an effort to see what movie they were watching.

Yes, I realize that most of the fault here lies in me. Only a complete idiot would try to watch a movie playing in another car while going 70 down the interstate. Well, call me Miss Idiot. Thankfully, the little bit of common sense that I do possess returned to me before anything bad happened, such as me side-swiping the vehicle in an effort to decide if it was really Finding Nemo that I was seeing as part of the I-65 double feature.

Returning to the original point of me simply being a concerned citizen, I am a little worried over the repercussions of my little discovery. If a television playing in another vehicle could distract me, what are the chances that others could experience the same predicament? We all know that DUI is a very common interstate cause of death will televisions be next?

One thing I learned during my four years of college is that complaining about anything can be useless, unless you have a better plan, or a possible solution in mind. So, in my own brilliant expertise, I have come up with a solution. Would it be out of the question to simply require that any vehicle equipped with a television must also have tinted windows? This solution would ensure that children are still entertained on long trips, but other drivers on the road aren't.

Granted, I am a very unique individual, and the situation I experienced could be isolated to me and my own stupidity. But, do you really want to take that chance?

So, I have done my part. I can now rest knowing that I have voiced my opinion and my concern. Just in the event that this was a danger you hadn't considered, you have now been made aware. Do with this letter what you please. You don't have to bother replying...if you decide to take action, then I'll just wait and see the new tinted window car commercials on television.