Drivers in the UK will soon be able to watch TV in their cars, but only in certain circumstances
Proposed updates to the UK’s Highway Code announced by the British Department for Transport (DfT) would allow drivers using self-driving cars to watch non-driving-related content on screens built into the vehicle, but not at any time.
The idea is that access to such shows would be allowed when the autonomous driving mode is in use and is controlling the vehicle, currently mainly on freeways, at constant speed, or in traffic jams. If this amendment is adopted, insurers would then be obliged to cover any damage due to potential accidents.
Of course, it is currently forbidden — in the UK and elsewhere — to watch any television show or play video games while driving. And at all times, the driver must be able to regain control of the vehicle quickly, if and when necessary, to exit a freeway, for example.
This proposed amendment to the UK’s road regulations could potentially pave the way for similar regulations elsewhere in the world.
