Driving Distractions
 

Because it is fallacy to believe that banning everything is the next logical step. There isn't some weird world order that says you must everything or nothing. Realistically we can all find a median where we say squirrels aren't that distracting where as mobile/cell phones are really distracting- unless you happen to be a squirrel enthusiast- therefore things that are more likely to distract drivers and cause accidents should be banned opposed to squirrels, hot people ect.

There is massive difference. If I use a cellphone then I am require to operate two machines at once, the car and the telephone. Both of which require hands and eyes for co-ordination. Music on the other hand only requires ears. If I need to change the station or a CD then everything is conveniently placed on the dash board for me which I can do at minimal effort while driving- Huzzah.
Same principle applies to the video billboard. For me to fully appreciate the billboard I will need to look at the bill board and concentrate on it for a period of time. During this time I am not looking at the road which is problematic. Hence why singing is not so much of risk than cellphones ect.

I'll readily admit that I am more easily distracted by a video billboard than a regular one. I'm more likely to look at it longer because I'm thinking "OOOHH WHAT IS NEXT?!" I'll even do it with those rotating-slat billboards a that are like three billboards in one.

I've never been in an accident, though, and I've never had a near-miss because of one of them (at least, not on my part... I don't know about other drivers).

A normal billboard requires no more attention then looking at road sign. It's a stationary image. You do not have to sit and watch it play out like a video billboard board. The advertising message is there in one glorious still image where as the a video billboard isn't. So unless it's content is particualar scandalous it is not exactly distracting. Where as something that is bright and flashy and technologic is more likely to make a driver go- oooh what's that.

Normal billboards have been banned for causing crashes, there was an infamous lingerie advert on a billboard that was banned for causing several crashes in one particular spot. Drivers do get distracted by very mundane things like boobies or sports cars ect. We can't prevent that. However we can prevent distractions like video billboards and cellphones ect. Which is probably a sensible idea when driving a several tonne piece of machinery at high speeds.

I think that banning billboards is just a ridiculous idea. Sure, we all get distracted by some little thing or another. But the main concern is banning those things that REALLY distract us, and those things that make us slow down reaction time a lot more. I'm glad that cell phones have been banned in a lot of states (unfortunately not my state, though I think that banning cell phone use should apply in all states. Except with the exception of using a headset, but that's a totally different topic).

So lets say that we have a cell phone in our hands, and obviously get distracted. We have a harder time reacting on the road to things that could potentially kill us, or others on the road (by the distracted person that is). But if we are looking at a billboard, we advert our eyes for just a moment to see what it says, and can EASILY quickly focus back onto the road, and have BOTH hands on the steering wheel. But cell phones have already been banned like I stated, so the next step would be to ban things like - eating on the road, drinking a soda or water, etc.

Are Digital Billboards a Dangerous Distraction to Drivers?
Till we see further evidence on whether they're a distraction or not, and whether they do cause a certain risk of an accident, policy makers should standby.

EDIT: Actually, it's somewhat funny. Nearby, I have a video bulletin that promotes safe driving, by both watching the road and telling motorists to not wear black. Strange.

I thought they were very distracting at first but then I thought about how much everything else distracts me and they are really not that bad. I think that some places are just ban happy about things and not focusing on real issues that need fixed.

The basic point is that a static image and some words can be glanced at by a driver and understood. A video advertisement requires you to watch as the whole thing is revealed, thus taking your eyes off the road for far longer.

I've yet to actually see one myself, however.

Darke:- There's one on the 101 freeway (the thing we get on after the San Francisco Airport) between San Carlos and Redwood City. When we go south to visit the Winchester Mystery House, I'll point it out to you. There are a few other ones I know if, but that one is the closest. It's kind of cool when you're not driving, and not so cool when you are. New York was the worst though. As soon as you hit the city you were bombarded with about a DOZEN video screens...

I have always thought that video billboards were a strange idea, flashing signs while driving. But roadsigns (the ones that they put up that say "construction" and such in flashy lights) are meant to be looked at so I really don't know.

But I do agree with one thing, squirrels should be banned!

I pass by this IKEA digital billboard at night, and although it's not really a moving billboard, it's really blinding. I can't imagine what damage a video billboard would do at night.