ARTICLE: Computing While Driving: A Car Accident Waiting To Happen

Installing a computer, desktop, and filing cabinet in your car may not have been a priority a year ago, but as more business travelers take to the highways, road warrior gadget sales are booming. Fears of flying related to the September 11 tragedy, coupled with lengthy delays at airports, have led many travelers to skip the plane for flights of three hours or less. According to an article in the New York Times, the switch from flying to driving is being pushed by business drivers who install wireless laptops and portable desks so they can get work done along the way. One computer-network engineer outfitted his car with mobile file storage, a portable desk, wireless laptop, and printer.

Business is booming for another sector, too, as business travelers are taking advantage of long-distance limousine or chauffeured van services, which can be equipped with a dazzling array of electronic office equipment. The advantages include the ability to work during the entire door-to-door trip, and the lack of hassle trying to hail a taxi at the destination city's airport just to get downtown. Though there are no new studies examining the distraction dangers of the in-car offices, one supplier of a slip-resistant desktop and hanging file system that sits in the passenger seat reminds buyers that they should use it "only while you're stopped or parked!" Another company, MobileDesk.com, notes on its web site that "some of our customers have reported being cited under a law called the 'illuminated display law.'"

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