Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment he has made of the safety implications of drivers being interviewed on film whilst driving.

The Department for Transport encourages broadcasters to adopt a responsible attitude towards driving issues and to use the Media Guide prepared by the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents which provides advice. Page 2 of the Guide explains that it is bad practice for a driver to speak to camera without watching the road ahead. The Guide is freely available on-line at www.rospa.com/roadsafety/info/roadmedia.pdf.

Rules 148–150 of The Official Highway Code advises drivers to avoid distractions.　 The rules make it clear that drivers must exercise proper control of their vehicle.

Under sections 2 and 3 of the Road Traffic Act 1988 a person may be charged with the offences of dangerous, careless and inconsiderate driving.