You can't use your smartphone while driving, but what about "navigating while driving"? Even though the screen is getting bigger, is it prohibited to watch it?

In fact, there are many accidents caused by looking at the car navigation system

The so-called "smartphone while driving" is prohibited by the Road Traffic Act. However, is it okay to operate a car navigation system other than a smartphone while driving? [Image] Why is it dangerous to use a smartphone while driving (14 photos)

Is navigating while driving a traffic violation? (image image)

On December 1, 2019, the Road Traffic Act was revised, and the penalties for talking on a mobile phone or smartphone while driving, looking at the screen, and operating the smartphone have been strengthened. If you talk on a mobile phone (including smartphones; the same shall apply hereinafter) or stare at the screen, it is a violation of "mobile phone use, etc. (retention)" and penalties include imprisonment of up to 6 months or a penalty of up to 100,000 yen. A fine, a fine of 18,000 yen (regular car), and 3 violation points will be imposed. If the use of a mobile phone, etc., causes an accident or other traffic hazard, it constitutes a violation of "mobile phone use, etc. (traffic danger)" and imprisonment with work for not more than one year or a fine of not more than 300,000 yen. 6 violation points (subject to license suspension) will be imposed. Since it is a non-foul act, there is no provision for penalties and penalties will be applied. When the car is running at 30km/h, it travels about 16.7m in 2 seconds. 60km/h is about 33.3m. During these two seconds, a pedestrian may be crossing the road, or the car in front may brake suddenly. Even for a short time, if you take your eyes off it, it may lead to an accident. So far, we have looked at the use of mobile phones while driving, but the treatment of car navigation systems is basically the same. Article 71 of the Road Traffic Law (Matters to be Observed by Drivers) stipulates that when driving a car or a motorized bicycle, the driver must use a mobile phone device, a car phone device, or a radio communication device, except in an emergency. ” to avoid calls. However, in addition to talking on the phone, it is also stipulated that "Do not stare at the image displayed on the image display device (... abbreviated...) that is attached to or brought into the vehicle." In the "Instructions on Traffic Methods" created by the National Public Safety Commission, Chapter 5 (How to drive a car) includes the following description. It is extremely dangerous if you do not pay enough attention to the traffic conditions around you by using your mobile phone or watching the images displayed on your car navigation system while driving. Do not use a phone, etc., or stare at images displayed on a car navigation system, etc. Also, before driving, turn off your mobile phone, etc., or set it to drive mode. Let's prevent the ringer from ringing."　In other words, the driver must not look at the display while driving, whether it is a smartphone, a car navigation system, or a TV, whether the device is brought in or installed. increase. In addition, the Road Traffic Law does not clearly define the time period for "watching", and it is up to the judgment of the police on the spot. According to the National Police Agency, there were 1283 traffic accidents related to mobile phone use in 2020, of which 20 were fatal. By factor, 677 cases were focused on car navigation systems, which accounted for nearly half, followed by 520 cases of using a mobile phone for image purposes (using while looking at the screen), about 40%, and 520 cases of using a mobile phone for calling. It is a result of less than 10% in 98 cases. Looking at the number of accidents, there were more people watching car navigation systems than watching mobile phones. In addition, the fatal accident rate is said to be about 1.9 times (1.56%) compared to accidents where mobile phones were not used (0.83%). The National Police Agency has urged, "If you must use a mobile phone such as a smartphone while driving, be sure to stop the car in a safe place before using it." ※　※　※　While you shouldn't look at it while driving, car displays tend to be larger, and touch panels are becoming more popular. In other words, compared to the time when there were only physical buttons, switches, and levers, it can be said that the need to "see" the display has increased, but for safety's sake, the awareness of driving without looking at them as much as possible. It seems that you also need skills.

Kuruma News Editorial Department