Mobile Phones + Driving

[Ouroboros]

On 1st of December in Britain it will be illegal to drive while talking on a handheld mobile phone.

Personally, I think this has been too long coming. While you are on a mobile, you are 4 times more likely to cause an accident. I have been in a car that has been hit by some idiot who has on a mabile, and didn't notice his car rolling into ours. If you really need to talk, either pull over, or use a handsfree set.

[Mr.3374]

Not sure what there is to debate here.
I will point out that research has shown that using hands-free is no less safe than using a hand held.(In the press last week,I'll seek a link if required)
Your concentration goes to the conversation anyway,so accidents are just as likely.
I think the issue is whether phones should be allowed in cars with only one occupant.
That then begs should kids be allowed in cars,they can distract you.
As can lighting a ciggy or changing cd.
How far do you take it?

[Pies R Gr8]

are you trying to say that if i happened to have one arm i shouldn't be allowed to drive? That is discrimination

[Dude]

Its not dicrimination, its hazardous to other road users.

[I'm Jim Too]

No we're saying you really shouldn't be talking on your mobile phone without a "hands free" kit whilst driving - especially if you only have one arm.

I also dont think anyone is going to argue otherwise.

[squealpiggy]

Originally posted by Pies R Gr8
are you trying to say that if i happened to have one arm i shouldn't be allowed to drive? That is discrimination

In fact you would be committing an offence if you were driving with one arm as you would be medically unfit to drive. Of course you would not be unfit to drive if you were in a car which was modified to your specific disability, but you still wouldn't be able to use a cellphone.

If you cause an accident while using a mobile phone then you would be charged with driving without due care and attention. If a death resulted from this accident then you would be charged with manslaughter. So let's face it all the new legislation is doing is making it less likely that there would be an accident in the first place.

And I have little respect for people who consider it an affront to their personal liberty that they be required to concentrate while driving. I have nearly been mown down several times by irresponsible morons who think that their stupid phone conversation is more important than my safety. As one advocate of the new law has put it:

Driving is the most dangerous activity that most people undertake with any regularity. You wouldn't dream of using a mobile phone while you were operating an item of dangerous machinery such as a chainsaw, so why would driving be any different?

[shaun680]

Reminds me of when I passed my driving test. My instructor was driving me home and his mobile rang. He had a 5 minute conversation with his wife, steadying the wheel with his elbow when he had to change gears. Quite amusing.

[felp]

here, it is already against the law to drive while on the phone, but that doesnt stop people - it's just gotten too hard for the cops to regulate and after a few years after the law was made it was no longer really inforced etc.