True but even so, I don't think using a phone makes a good driver a bad one, nor does not using a phone make a bad driver a good one. I think it makes little difference. It's a small risk factor, comparable to having kids in the back, listening to loud music or carrying an irritating passenger.
Why isn't the message getting through, driving whilst using a mobile phone is dangerous
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True but even so, I don't think using a phone makes a good driver a bad one, nor does not using a phone make a bad driver a good one. I think it makes little difference. It's a small risk factor, comparable to having kids in the back, listening to loud music or carrying an irritating passenger.
Green Cross Code Man
Wunt be druv
Recent events would indicate there are nutters out there who wouldn't hesitate to do road rage on an elderly person sadly. So that's a no from me. [emoji27]
I think most of us realise the restraints of funding etc on our Police Authorities but I think many people would say that 'mobile' driving is just as serious a problem as drink/drug driving. We see regular reports of convictions for drink driving, and campaigns targeting this issue (one going on right now I believe) but so little action taken against 'mobile' drivers which we all see nearly every day.
Your thoughts?
What is an 'unreal' vehicle? And why is calling the Mrs OK? You can still kill people you selfish person, you are out there with drink drivers in my view if you are not using a hands free kit. And yes I have had a hands free kit in my car in the past, and I still believe that it does affect your concentration.
Creaky
Well-known member
The research results I have seen suggests that it is the thought process required to carry out a telephone conversation that detracts from the concentration level required to drive safely rather than the dexterity required to hold a mobile phone whilst driving causing a problem.
If that is the case then I don't understand why it is acceptable to have a hands free conversation whilst driving - the hands free kit only addresses the minor distraction of holding a small object rather than the real killer.
If that is the case then I don't understand why it is acceptable to have a hands free conversation whilst driving - the hands free kit only addresses the minor distraction of holding a small object rather than the real killer.
hitony
Administrator
The only people who should enforce the law, is the law, in my opinion.
As for phone companies playing ball, In what way exactly?
Which is fine and you're entitled to your opinion but there clearly is a difference between thinking hard and a casual call. Any driver could kill someone, are you saying all drivers are selfish including yourself presumably?
hitony
Administrator
In fairness jfs did say he had a hands free kit.
I agree 100% it is the talking /thinking about what to say is the distraction.....Phone conversations should not be allowed when driving !!
But on that basis no one would drive at all. Risk is a spectrum and all I was saying was that, having read the research published before the UK legislation, I didn't find it convincing. Additionally, since many other countries have looked at this and other research and decided not to ban mobile use, I don't think my position is an extreme one.
Which countries would these be then ?
EDIT - and this is an old list. New Zealand for example has now banned it.
| Country | Banned | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Australia | Yes | Banned in all states - fines vary though. |
| Austria | Yes | Fines vary - up to US$22 per incident |
| Bahrain | Yes | Offenders face fines - possibly prison |
| Belgium | Yes | Phones can be used without a hands-free unit when the car is stationary - but not while in traffic (such as at traffic lights) |
| Brazil | Yes | Ban imposed Jan. 2001 |
| Botswana | Being debated | The attorney general is drafting the legislation |
| Canada | Variable | Banned in Newfoundland (Dec2002) fines up to C$180 - Banned in Québec (Apr 2008) fines up to C$100. |
| Chile | Yes | |
| China | Yes | Reported to be covered by general "good driving practice" legislation. |
| Czech Republic | Yes | |
| Denmark | Yes | Ban imposed July 1998 - US$60 fine for infringements |
| Egypt | Yes | Fines of about US$100 per offence. |
| Finland | Yes | Ban imposed January 2003 - US$55 fine for infringements |
| France | Yes | Banned 2003, EUR40 fine per infraction |
| Germany | Yes | Ban imposed Feb. 2001 - usage allowed without a hands-free unit only when the engine is switched off. Fine of €40 per infraction |
| Greece | Yes | |
| Hong Kong | Yes | |
| Hungary | Yes | Not often implemented by the police |
| India - New Delhi | Yes | New Delhi - Ban extended to ban all use of cell phones when driving, including use with a hands-free unit - July 2001 Andhra Pradesh - Ban now enforced with prison sentences |
| Ireland | Yes | Banned, with a US$380 and/or up to 3 months imprisonment on a third offence. Handsfree kits allowed, although that is subject to review. |
| Isle of Man | Yes | Banned since July 2000 |
| Israel | Yes | |
| Italy | Yes | Fines of up to US$124 per infraction |
| Japan | Yes | Ban imposed Nov. 1999 |
| Jersey | Yes | Ban imposed Feb. 1998 |
| Jordan | Yes | Ban imposed Oct. 2001 |
| Kenya | Yes | Ban imposed late 2001 |
| Malaysia | Yes | |
| Mexico | Partial | Ban in Mexico City |
| Netherlands | Yes | Fines up to €2,000 or two weeks in jail |
| New Zealand | Being debated | Under debate - consultation being sought from interested parties |
| Norway | Yes | Fines of over $600 per infraction |
| Pakistan | Partial | Banned in Islamabad |
| Philippines | Yes | |
| Poland | Yes | Fine of PLN200 ($100) - can be higher if contested. |
| Portugal | Yes | |
| Romania | Yes | |
| Russia | Yes | Ban imposed by Prime Minister - March 2001 |
| Singapore | Yes | |
| Slovak Republic | Yes | |
| Slovenia | Yes | |
| South Africa | Yes | |
| South Korea | Yes | Ban imposed July 2001 - US$47 fine + 15 points on the license. |
| Spain | Yes | |
| Sweden | No | |
| Switzerland | Yes | |
| Taiwan | Yes | If the driver is using a reflective screen on the car, local privacy laws forbid stopping the car for violating the ban. |
| Thailand | Yes | Bill proposed in May 2000 |
| Turkey | Yes | |
| Turkmenistan | Yes | Signed into law with effect from May 1st 2003, by President Saparmyrat Turkmenbasy |
| UK | Yes | Banned from December 2003 |
| Zimbabwe | Yes | Ban imposed in Sept 2001, announced via official news agency only though, so not confirmed |
hitony
Administrator
It's pretty obvious that policing the hand held use of mobile phones is not easy, so how would no use at all be policed / enforced properly?
Missed that. Feel a bit of an idiot - sorry jfs.
No problem, I'm pleased the debate is staying civilised!
jevs
Well-known member
What about if i was to be listening to say....pop master (quiz on music) on the radio in the car. Wouldn't that have the same (legal) effect.
Not digging you out for your reply, just wondering how far it should go.
hitony
Administrator
severnside gull
Well-known member
I find white van men and women on the school run to be the worst offenders in terms of how often I spot them. Recently saw a woman coming towards me on the wrong side of the road with phone cradled in her neck and applying lipstick. She actually laughed when I hooted my horn to warn her she was about to hit me! Delivery drivers and workmen seemingly constantly checking their next call are the worst though